Constitutional Law
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims at improving and deepening the knowledge and undertanding of the Italian constitutional system through a theoretical and pragmatic approach, thus teaching students how to master the fundamental concepts of constitutionalism with adequate legal terminology and methodology. The course is part of the legal area of the Master's programme's multidisciplinary education, and provides the students with the elements of Constitutional Law that are necessary for the professional skillsets developed in the "Institutions and protection of rights" curriculum.
The programme of the course includes the main aspects of contemporary constitutionalism, and will pay particular attention to the fundamental principles and rights on which the legal system is based, by also considering the more complex aspects in order to develop the students' critical approach. A part of the course is dedicated to the in-class analysis of jurisprudential cases, in order to provide the student with the ability to understand and individually and critically analyse the different facets of contemporary constitutionalism.
The programme of the course includes the main aspects of contemporary constitutionalism, and will pay particular attention to the fundamental principles and rights on which the legal system is based, by also considering the more complex aspects in order to develop the students' critical approach. A part of the course is dedicated to the in-class analysis of jurisprudential cases, in order to provide the student with the ability to understand and individually and critically analyse the different facets of contemporary constitutionalism.
Expected learning outcomes
At the course's conclusion students will gain an advanced knowledge and understanding of Constitutional Law, with particular regard to the Republic's institutions and the fundamental constitutional rights and their protection.
Students will gain the ability to read and interpret Constitutional Law and the most relevant pieces of legislation in the light of the main aspects of constitutionalism.
The course also aims at encouraging a continuous exchange of views between students (and with the teacher) and to teach students how to draft, after the lessons and seminars, papers and legal texts connected to the matters that were discussed.
The course will provide students with the skills necessary to apply the acquired knolwedge and undertanding of Constitutional Law and to develop their legal reasoning and to improve their mastery of legal terminology.
Students will gain the ability to read and interpret Constitutional Law and the most relevant pieces of legislation in the light of the main aspects of constitutionalism.
The course also aims at encouraging a continuous exchange of views between students (and with the teacher) and to teach students how to draft, after the lessons and seminars, papers and legal texts connected to the matters that were discussed.
The course will provide students with the skills necessary to apply the acquired knolwedge and undertanding of Constitutional Law and to develop their legal reasoning and to improve their mastery of legal terminology.
Lesson period: First trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
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
First trimester
Course syllabus
The course explores, from both theoretical and practical perspectives, the transformations of contemporary constitutionalism, with particular focus on its multilevel and supranational dimension, the evolution of fundamental rights — including cultural rights — and the challenges posed by the digital society. The following topics will be covered: fundamental principles and European values; civil, social and economic rights; fundamental duties; the balancing and evolution of multilevel protection of rights; the role of ordinary courts in the protection of fundamental rights; public administration; subjective rights and legitimate interests; the role of administrative and accounting courts in the protection of fundamental rights and legitimate interests; the Italian model of constitutional justice; incidental and direct access to the Constitutional Court; the protection of fundamental rights under the ECHR and before the Court of Justice of the European Union; new rights in the digital society; European data protection law.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific prior knowledge is required. The course is open to all students enrolled in the degree program. A basic understanding of public law is nevertheless recommended.
Teaching methods
The course is based on lectures and in-class discussions, combining theoretical analysis with the examination of case law and legal materials. The aim is to foster dialogue between students and the instructor. Slides and supplementary materials will be made available on the Ariel platform.
Teaching Resources
F. Clementi, L. Cuocolo, F. Rosa, G.E. Vigevani (a cura di), La Costituzione italiana. Vol. I. Principi fondamentali e Parte I - Diritti e doveri dei cittadini, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2020 (primi 13 articoli).
M. Olivetti, Diritti fondamentali, Torino, Giappichelli, 2 ed. 2020.
M. Olivetti, Diritti fondamentali, Torino, Giappichelli, 2 ed. 2020.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Learning will be assessed through a single oral examination. The exam will evaluate knowledge of fundamental concepts of constitutional law and contemporary constitutionalism, including multilevel and supranational aspects; ability to critically interpret legal norms and key issues discussed during the course; appropriate use of legal terminology and argumentative skills; level of autonomy in reasoning and case analysis.
IUS/08 - CONSTITUTIONAL LAW - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professors:
Cavaggion Giovanni, Orofino Marco
Professor(s)