International and Comparative Law

Course Content:

This module aims to provide an understanding of how globalisation affects our lives,
though a specific analysis of public international law, the French, German and American
legal systems.

The module introduces students to the legal systems of France, Germany and the United
States. The first part is spent on the legal history and sources of law of both legal
systems. The second part covers the constitutional aspects as well as the court system in
France, Germany and the USA. This module consists of lectures and seminars. Seminars
will focus on the comparative aspects of the legal systems.

It then introduces students to public international law as a globalised legal system
regulating the relations between States. It focuses first on the relevant institutions, the
sources of international law as well as the concept of international legal personality and
statehood. The substantive part consists mainly of the use of force, the title to territory,
the right to self-determination as well as the law of the sea.

Autumn Semester:
? Introduction to International and Comparative Law, the raison d?être for
comparative law & Classification of Legal Systems and background understanding
of the American, French and German Legal Systems in a Nutshell.
? Sources of Law (part 1) : General Intro., The List and Hierarchy of Sources in
French, American and German Law and Common Law v Civil Law: Similarities /
Differences & Advantages / Disadvantages.
? Sources of Law (part 2): Focus on Specific Issues: The Role of Case Law and
Constitutional Norms in French, American and German Law and Constitutional
Law: Institutions and Separation of Powers in France, the USA and Germany.
? Constitutional Law: Focus on Specific Issues: Head of State Immunity and
Constitutional Courts in French, American and German Law and Is there a
problem in the application of the hierarchy of sources? A comparative approach.
? Fundamental Rights (Part 1): General Intro in French, German and American Law
and Comparative Analysis of Constitutional Law in French, German and American
Law.
? Fundamental Rights (Part 2): Specific Protections: Freedom of Religion in French,
American and German Law.
? Fundamental Rights (Part 3): Specific Protections: Freedom of Speech /
Expression v The Right to Privacy in French, American and German Law.
? Introduction to Public International Law.
? The United Nations and Is International Law really law?
? A focus on the International Court of Justice.
? Public International Law in the news.

Spring Semester:
? Different aspects of Public International Law.

Teaching: Lectures and seminars

Assessment:
STUDY OPTION 1:
? Written exam (70%)
? Coursework (30%): taking the form of an exercise requiring research on an essay
style theme or a set of facts that give rise to a legal problem and advice on the
issues raised
STUDY OPTION 2: Alternative Assessment Assignment
STUDY OPTION 3: Alternative Assessment Exam

Study Option 1 = Whole Year
Study Option 2 = Autumn
Study Option 3 = Spring/summer