OVERVIEW

The subject area covers the study of the law applicable to the organization of the State, territorial autonomy, and the constitutionally relevant subjective situations of citizens and non-citizens residing or residing in Italy, in light of constitutional and implementing provisions, with the necessary references to international and European Union law.

This course is fundamental and preparatory to many courses in subsequent years of the degree program.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To gain knowledge of fundamentals of Italian constitutional law, also from the historical perspective and the perspective of legal scholars. To learn legal terms and interpretative methods which are typically used in Public Law, also as a tool to study its specific fields later. To develop critical thinking skills in using relevant legal texts and constitutional rulings.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Individual study, attendance, and participation in the proposed learning activities will enable students to:

a) Understand and retain the main legal provisions governing the constitutional process, as well as the system's actors and structure;
b) Identify the main applicable public law sources and understand and apply the provisions contained therein.
c) Understand the structure and functioning of the constitutional system and be aware of the meaning and relevance of individual rights;
d) Understand and critically evaluate, with independent judgment, proposals for constitutional and institutional reforms;
e) Read and critically examine, with independent judgment, scientific articles and rulings, particularly from the Constitutional Court and supranational courts;
Express oneself using appropriate technical legal language.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of history and philosophy.

TEACHING METHODS

The course will be delivered primarily through lectures, with the use of the Aula Web platform, which provides specific teaching tools (flipped classroom or cooperative learning). Some in-depth lessons on specific and current topics will be offered, with the help of guest speakers.

Students will also be involved in group and individual activities designed to assess their level of knowledge acquired so far and verify their learning progress. Active and participatory attendance is required, and regular attendance is recommended.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course will cover, indicatively and non-exhaustively (and not necessarily in the order indicated here), the following topics:

Outlines of the general theory of legal order and interpretation
Antinomies, omissions and related resolution criteria
The concepts of the Constitution
The historical developments of constitutionalism and constitutional law
Forms of state and forms of government
Outlines of Italian constitutional history
The Republican Constitution: origins, structure, and defining features
The sources of law 
Constitutional rights and duties
Democracy, representation, and forms of direct participation at various levels
Electoral systems: general concepts and current legislation
Parliament
The President of the Republic
The Government and public administration
The judiciary 
Territorial autonomies
Constitutional Amendment Process 
Relations with the international legal system and the European Union
Constitutional and supranational justice

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

For attending students:

Giancarlo Rolla, Manuale di diritto costituzionale, Torino, Giappichelli, 2024

(excluding Part Four: Territorial Autonomies)

Additional materials may be uploaded made on Aula Web.

In order to  prepare adequately the exam, the current text of the Italian Constitution is recommended.

For non-attending students:

Giancarlo Rolla, Manuale di diritto costituzionale, Torino, Giappichelli, 2024.

In order to  prepare adequately the exam, the current text of the Italian Constitution is recommended. 

Additional materials may be uploaded made on Aula Web. 

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes will begin on September 15, 2025

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a written part and an oral exam.

The written exam consists of 20 questions divided into short-answer, multiple-choice, matching, and true/false questions. Students will have 25 minutes to complete the test. The written exam is passed if the number of correct answers is 15 or more.

The oral exam (accessed only by candidates who pass the written exam) will begin with the written text and then extend to other sections of the syllabus. The student will be examined by at least two members of the examination committee.

Online registration for the exam is mandatory.

Registration is open until two business days before the exam date. Failure to register will result in the inability to take the exam. For documentation purposes only, students are advised to print the registration receipt. If you no longer wish to take the exam on the date you registered, please remove your name from the exam registration form or notify the instructor; otherwise, you will be recorded as absent.

The "attending" status is valid for the entire academic year.

Students with a certified learning disability, disability, or other special educational needs must contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to agree on teaching and exam methods that, while respecting the course objectives, take into account individual learning styles and provide appropriate compensatory tools. Please remember that requests for compensatory/exemptive measures for exams must be sent to the professor, the School contact person (Prof. Isabel Fanlo), and the "Services for the inclusion of students with disabilities and DSA" (dsa@unige.it) at least 10 working days before the exam, please see the guidelines available at the link: https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa. 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written test allows the examination commission to assess the candidate's basic knowledge.

Based on the results of the written test, the commission proceeds with further questions aimed at assessing the student's ability to integrate their knowledge and clearly communicate their conclusions using appropriate legal language. Critical reasoning skills based on the study completed and the quality of the presentation will be particularly appreciated.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Attending Student Status: A student is considered attending if they are regularly enrolled and have attended at least two-thirds of the classes. Attendance is verified through the University app; therefore, please download it to your device and check with the Student Affairs Office before the start of the first lesson. 

The list of attending students is published online at the end of classes.

Those who need assistance with their studies can contact the academic tutors.

To contact them and schedule an appointment, please write to:

tutordidattici.giurisprudenza@unige.it