Constitutional Law

Course	L-102-STSR
Semester	1
ETCS	8
Core	Yes

Year	1. year
Semester	Fall 2024
Level of course	N/A
Type of course	Core
Prerequisites	No prerequisites.
Schedule	No schedule found.
Lecturer	No lecturer found.
Content
This course examines fundamental questions in constitutional law, such as what is the foundation of government, how to secure the rights of the individual vis-à-vis the state, the role of constitutions and which rules should have constitutional status. Students will be introduced to basic concepts in constitutional law and to the Icelandic constitutional system. Amongst the things discussed will be separation of powers, democracy, parliamentary systems of government, the protection of individual rights offered by the Bill of Rights in the Icelandic constitution and by international treaties and how the state can enter into international agreements. The course will also cover the interpretation of the constitution and the effects of the constitution and of international treaties on the interpretation of general legislation.
Learning outcome - Objectives
Upon completion of the course, students should understand fundamental doctrines and ideas in constitutional law and their influence and be able to describe those doctrines and compare them. Students will be acquainted with and able to describe the characteristics and development of the Icelandic constitutional system, have solid knowledge of how to find, interpret and apply human rights legislation, know the main legal rules concerning the role, organization and workings of the three branches of government and the relevant international organizations and have received some training in how to find legal sources and apply legal rules.
Course assessment
Practical assignment (40%), written mid-term examination (20%), written final examination (40%). Further information will be posted on the class website before teaching begins.
Reading material
No reading material found.
Teaching and learning activities
Short sessions on each topic, consisting of a few lectures and of discussion classes
Language of instruction	Icelandic