Constitutionalism in a European and International Perspective
Dirk Vanheule

Course content
Constitutionalism is the idea that government can and should be legally limited in its powers and that its authority depends on the enforcement and respect of these limitations. The idea is often equated with the concept of the "Rule of Law". This course will examine the extent to which fundamental rules laid down in constitutional law enable and disable the operation of government by focusing on issues such as the role and value of an entrenched constitution, the separation and distribution of powers, the recognition of constitutional rights and freedoms and the practice of judicial review. This will be done by looking at cases and materials from European and North American countries and by focusing on the emergence of constitutionalism at a European nationwide level.

Course format
Lectures and cases 
 
Evaluation
Open book exam with essayquestions (75%)
One semester paper (average length between 2.000 and 4.000 words) to be submitted during the term (25%)

Study material
Textbook, cases and materials available at the university's printshop