This course introduces students to key issues in comparative constitutional law through the analysis of selected constitutional instruments from various European jurisdictions. It provides not only an introduction but also a comprehensive overview of the European constitutional landscape. A central aim of the course is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply comparative legal methods in the interpretation, development, and evaluation of constitutional norms, institutions, and systems. The course offers a broad view of the European constitutional order at both the domestic and international levels. Particular attention will be given to the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz), which will serve as a primary reference point for comparing other national constitutions within the European Union. We will systematically examine the constitutions of selected EU member states and explore how they relate to and interact with broader European legal standards. The course is structured around four thematic pillars: 1. Structural Issues: Comparative approaches to the separation of powers and systems of judicial review. 2. Federalism: Analysis of different federal models. 3. Constitutional Change: Examination of how constitutions are amended or entirely rewritten. 4. Fundamental Rights: Comparative perspectives on individual and positive rights in constitutional frameworks. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of the similarities and differences among European constitutional systems, and how these systems respond to political, social, and legal challenges.
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