LAW4161E - Introduction to European union law 406

Offered

Prato Term 2 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit is concerned with the constitutional and institutional architecture of the European Union as well as selected issues of substantive European law. The Unit will provide an overview of the development of the European Union and introduce students to the fundamental aspects of its legal system (legal structures, principles, institutions, law-making procedures, enforcement, etc). The unit will also examine selected topics in constitutional and substantive law, such as the "four freedoms", the influence of human rights on European law and external relations.

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit students should be able to

1. appreciate and assess the historical development of European integration and the ideological, political and economic factors shaping this development;
2. understand and explain the current constitutional structures of the EU: the composition, role and functions of the EU's main institutions, principles and procedures governing law-making, enforcement mechanisms and available judicial remedies;
3. understand and analyse important areas of substantive European law, such as the single European market, and how such law relates to the basic aims and objectives of the EC/EU;
4. critically discuss the interactions between the EU and national legal orders, the EU's role in the world and the most topical challenges currently facing the EU.

Assessment

Class presentation and/or discussion: 10%
Research essay: 30% (2400 words) (optional)
Examination: 60% - 2hr (plus 30 minutes reading and noting time) with the optional essay OR 90% - 3hr (plus 30 minutes reading and noting time) without the optional essay.

Prerequisites

LAW1100 or LAW1101 and LAW1102 or LAW1104