INTRODUCTION TO LAW

The course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of international, European, and Italian law.
The main topics covered will include:
1. Introduction to the Western Legal Tradition:
The fundamental principles of Western legal traditions.
Differences between civil law and common law systems.
The historical roots of law: Roman law, canon law, and the European legal tradition.

2. The European Legal System:
The European Union: treaties and primary legislation.
The Court of Justice of the European Union and its role.
Issues related to national sovereignty vs. European integration.

3. The International Legal System:
Major international organizations: UN, WTO, International Criminal Court, etc.
Public and private international law.
Contemporary challenges, such as the protection of human rights and international environmental law.

4.Evolution and Change of Powers:
Geopolitical changes and their impact on legal systems.
Dynamics of contemporary international law, such as new forms of cooperation and conflict.
Digitalization and the law: legal challenges in the global society.

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

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

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

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

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:

1. Mid-term Exam - Written exam with multiple-choice and open-ended questions - duration 1.30 hours.

2. Class Presentation of a Case - Group Work:
Students will present a case assigned by the lecturer.
The presentation will be a group project and should demonstrate the students' ability to analyze the case, apply the knowledge acquired throughout the course, and propose solutions or arguments based on solid legal foundations.

The evaluation criteria will include:
- Understanding of the case and related legal concepts.
- Ability to conduct an in-depth analysis of the case.
- Clarity and consistency in the presentation.
- Ability to work in a group and communicate effectively.
- Knowledge and understanding of the topics covered.
- Ability to analyze and deepen the topics.
- Consistency and coherence in the response.
- Correct use of legal language and specific terminology.

Grades will be assigned based on the overall evaluation of students' performance in relation to the criteria listed above.

written and oral

The grades will range from failing to 30 with honors (30 L).

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

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