Introduction to law and public institutions

Academic year: 2009-2010 Course code module 1BPSW-02 Semester: 2nd semester Credits: 6 Study load (hours) 168 Theory (hours): 45,00 Practice/Exercises(hours): Other (hours): Part-time program: 1/2 Instructor(s) Patricia Popelier Language of instruction: Dutch Semester exam information: exam in the 2nd semester Contract restriction information: 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties Degree secondary education Ability to follow the news   *Sequentiality None 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) 1) ability to situate the phenomenon of law as a social institution: what is the function of the law, how do the institutions function, which are the sources of law and how do they relate 2) Knowledge about what subjective rights are, how they emerge, are executed and dissapear aznd the basic principles concerning freedom of contract, tort and abuse of rights. 3) Understanding of the way legal and social institutions are interwoven and application to cases related to tort and marriage 4) Understanding of law as in instrument to protect persons against arbitrary government action. Basic insight in principles of proper administration, law making and jurisdiction; basic insight in the way human rights protect persons 5) Knowledge of the institutions where political power is executed, the history and basic principles which govern public institutions. 6) Insight in relations of political power and their relation with public institutions. 7) Application of the subject-matter to actuality. 8) Being able to discuss subjects relating to the course: situate, evaluate, criticise. 3. Course content In the first part the course offers an introduction to objective law: a definition of law as a legal system and the sources of law: legislation, case law, doctrine, costums, principles of law and equity. Specific attention goes to rules which dominate the relation government - individual persons: principles of proper legislation, administration and jurisdiction, and human rights. The course also deals with persons as subjects of law, giving attention to categories of subjective rights in general and freedom of contract in particular. The relation between society and law is being discussed with two case topics: marriage and tort. In the second part follows an overview of the fundamental principles which govern the Belgian state organisation, of the public institutions on national and international level and of the the way in which political powers functions within these structures. The federal institutions, the regional and community institutions and the European Union and United Nations are highlighted. 4. Teaching method Direct contact: Lectures 5. Assessment method Exam: Written, without oral presentation Closed book 6. Compulsory reading – study material There is a written syllabus. On Blackboard appear central questions and articles, schemes and documentation on a weekly basis. 7. Recommended reading - study material Nihil. 8. Tutoring The assistent, Victoria Verlinden, gives two repetition classes. laatste aanpassing: last update: 03/02/2010 10:40 patricia.popelier