INTRODUCTION TO LAW

The course is intended to provide students with a basic knowledge about International, European, and Italian legal
system. The purpose of this course is for students to gain basic tools and skills for the analysis and solution of
elementary problems relating to law.
The course is structured in four parts of approximately eight hours each.
The first part will focus on general issues, introducing the common principles of western legal tradition.
The second part will examine the European Legal System.
The third and the fourth part will be focused on the examination of the Italian legal system, with special reference
to the main tools of private law, such as contracts, property, and torts.
At the end of each module, there will be a focus on changing that law is facing due to the technological revolution

The purpose of this course is for students to gain basic tools and skills for the analysis and solution of
elementary problems relating to law.

- Understand the characteristics of a legal norm. Know the differences between legal norms and social norms;
- Understand the fundamental partitions between legal systems (civil law and common law) and within legal systems (public law and private law)
- Identify the differences between civil law and common law, the role of case law in both legal systems and the implications on the sources of law;
- Understand the structure and the sources of European law and of Italian law;
- Understand how to solve antinomies;
- Understand and know the fundamental institutes of private law;
- Learn a legal glossary;
- Ability to interpret a legal text and apply it to specific cases.

There are no pre-requirements.

The course introduces the main features of European and Italian Legal Systems.
In particular, the course will consider the following topics:

A) General Principles
- Law, Legal Rules and society
- A brief history of the development of western Legal tradition.
- Difference between Hard Law and Soft Law
- National and International law
- The Legal system of the State
- Civil Law and Common Law
- Introduction to Public Law and Private Law
Focus: The digital revolution

B) European Legal System- Institutions of the Union: composition and powers
- Sources and scope of the EU Law
- Principles of Supremacy of EU Law
- Principles of direct applicability and direct effects
- Framework for enforcement
Focus: Introduction to digital market

C) Italian Legal System
- A brief history of the Italian legal system
- Public Law and Private Law
- The Italian source system: Constitution, state and regional laws, regulations, and customs
- The Supremacy of EU Law
- Main features of the Legal rule
Focus: The introduction of the Digital Regulation in Italy

D) Private Law
- Introduction to the Italian Civil Code
- Introduction to Property rights
- Introduction to Contract Law
- Introduction to Torts law
- Introduction to Family law
Focus: Chat GPT Case - The Italian Data Protection Authority vs. Open AI

Pietro Sirena, Introduction to Private Law, il Mulino, Bologna, 2021, third edition. Limiting the chapters as specified: II, II, III, IV (except §§ 3.1.1 e 3.1.2), V, VI, VII (only §§ 1., 3., 3.1., 3.2.), VIII (only §§ 1. e 2.), X.

The book includes quotations from philosophers and jurists and their biographies; these parts will not be part of the final exam. The content of the reference textbook covers only a portion of the program. Additional topics will be addressed during the lessons.
The slides used during the lessons and any additional materials will be available online on the Moodle platform.

The final exam will consist of two parts:

In-class presentation of a case - Group work:
Students will present a case assigned by the Professor. The presentation will be a group effort and should demonstrate students' ability to analyze the case, apply the knowledge acquired during the course, and propose solutions or arguments based on solid legal foundations.
Evaluation criteria will include:
Understanding of the case and related legal concepts.
Ability to conduct in-depth analysis of the case.
Clarity and coherence in the presentation.
Ability to work in a group and communicate effectively.

Final exam with three open-ended questions:
Students will respond to three open-ended questions during the final exam. The questions may cover topics discussed during the course and will require articulate and reasoned responses.

Evaluation criteria will include:
Knowledge and understanding of the topics covered.
Ability to analyze and delve into legal issues.
Coherence and consistency in the response.
Correct use of legal language and specific terminology.

In formulating the final grade, the following criteria will be taken into consideration:
Knowledge and understanding of the topics covered in the course.
Ability to analyze legal issues in depth.
Coherence and logic in written expression and during the in-class presentation.
Grades will be assigned based on an overall assessment of students' performance relative to the criteria listed above.

The lectures will be taught in class, with the projection of slides.
Additional materials will be available on Moodle.

The materials of the course and every additional information will be available on the e-learning platform (Moodle). The students can log in with their personal credentials at moodle.unive.it

written and oral

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "International cooperation" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development