Comparative Constitutional Law

A.Y. 2023/2024
6
Max ECTS
40
Overall hours
SSD
IUS/21
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course, proceeding from the diachronic and synchronic comparative analysis of the forms of state and federalist processes, first of all intends to provide the basic knowledge of the various models of protection of linguistic, ethnic and religious pluralism. Taking into account this theoretical background, specific case studies will be therefore analyzed, with a view to verify language rights actual implementation through a comparative perspective.
Expected learning outcomes
Learning technical and legal instruments for the protection of minorities from a religious, ethnic and linguistic standpoint, acquisition of skills related to the identification of legal sources to be applied to concrete cases, use of appropriate legal language.
Single course

This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Attending students
First module:
The method in comparative constitutional law. Classification of State systems. The territorial structure of the States.

Second module:
Minority protection and language rights in liberal-democratic States:
- Legal mechanisms for the protection of minorities.
- Discussion of case studies.
International and supranational protection of minority rights: the role of the OSCE, of the Council of Europe and of the European Union.

Not attending students
First module:
The method in comparative constitutional law. Classification of State systems. The territorial structure of the State. The evolution of Western constitutionalism.

Second module:
Minority protection, territorial self-government, and language rights in different State systems. International and supranational protection of minority rights: the role of the OSCE, of the Council of Europe and of the European Union.
Prerequisites for admission
Prior to the beginning of the course, students are invited to carefully review basic notions related to Comparative Public Law, Contemporary History (the international order in the aftermath of WWI, in the interwar period, at the end WWII and after the fall of Communist regimes), International and EU Law.
Teaching methods
Lectures will introduce basic notions and methodologies of comparative constitutional law. Students will be involved in discussing case studies with the aim to improve communication skills and the use of technical lexicon. The participation of international and national scholars is also foreseen to explore current issues.
Teaching Resources
Attending students:
First module:
G. Morbidelli, M. Volpi, G. Cerrina Feroni, Diritto costituzionale comparato, Giappichelli, Torino, 2020, pp. 1-36; 149-248.

Second module:
F. Palermo, J. Woelk, Diritto costituzionale comparato dei gruppi e delle minoranze, Cedam, Padova, 2021, pp. 1-122; 283-378.
As for case studies, essays will be provided by the teacher. Teaching material will be made available on MS Teams.


Not attending students:
First module:
G. Morbidelli, M. Volpi, G. Cerrina Feroni, Diritto costituzionale comparato, Giappichelli, Torino, 2020, pp. 1-248.

Second module:
F. Palermo, J. Woelk, Diritto costituzionale comparato dei gruppi e delle minoranze, Cedam, Padova, 2021, pp. 1-122; 163-222; 283-378.
Not attending students are required also to prepare one of the essays included in D. Amirante (Ed.), La questione linguistica nello Stato multiculturale, in DPCE, n. 4, 2016, according to their personal interest: P.L. Petrillo (Canada), L. Colella (Belgium), G. Poggeschi, E. Cukani (Spain), V. Pepe (France), M. Zinzi (China) available in Digital Library https://www.sba.unimi.it/BibliotecaDigitale/46.html. Alternatively, F. Palermo, J. Woelk, Diritto costituzionale comparato dei gruppi e delle minoranze, Cedam, Padova, 2021, pp. 345-390 (Bosnia Erzegovina).
Assessment methods and Criteria
Attending students
Attending students will be offered the possibility to take an intermediate test on Module I (written test). The final mark will result from the average between the written test and the final oral examination that will consists of two questions on module II. For attending students, not taking the written intermediate test, the final exam is oral (two questions on module I and two questions on module II).

Both the written test and the oral final examination will assess knowledge acquired on Module I and II, students' ability to present an issue and the ability to use an appropriate lexicon.

Not attending students:
For not attending students the final exam is oral (two questions on Module I and two questions on Module II).

Final examination will assess knowledge acquired on Module I and II, students' ability to present an issue and the ability to use an appropriate lexicon.
IUS/21 - COMPARATIVE PUBLIC LAW - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
You are kindly requested to schedule the meeting in advance, sending an email to [email protected]
Room 7 or Ms Teams (chat: arianna angeli or [email protected])