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COMPARATIVE LEGAL SYSTEMS

Optional Module (5 ECTS)

Description

This module introduces the students to the trajectory of comparative law, from the 19th century, when this new discipline was born, until our days and focuses on the milestones of this trajectory.


Objectives

Upon completion of the course, the students will be able to

  • know the history of comparative law
  • understand the different mentalities of the various legal systems
  • reject prejudices about non-Western laws
  • be familiar with the new approaches to comparative law.

Contents

It will cover, among other issues, the first steps of the discipline, in France and in Germany, the influence that European Civil Codes had on countries’ legislation in other parts of the world, the 1st World Congress of Comparative Law in Paris in 1900, the taxonomy of the laws in legal families, according to the teaching and writings of important legal scholars, the consequences of the decolonization, the indigenous laws, as well as the new approaches of Comparative Law. Special attention will be given to theories about legal transplants, legal formants, comparative legal cultures and legal traditions, legal pluralism.


Academic Requirements

Participants are required to have at least some basic previous knowledge of Comparative Law.


Teaching method

The course will run under both seminar and workshop format. Students are expected to write a paper and make a presentation based on the paper.


Professor

The course is taught by Professor E. Moustaira.


Assessment and testing

  • Written exam - 2 hours (50%)
  • Paper assignment (25%)
  • Active Participation at the discussions (25%)