Constitutional Law I & Constitutional Law II

Course Code : LAW 105 & LAW 106

Course Title : Constitutional Law I & Constitutional Law II

Weekly Teaching Hour: 3-hours lecture per week, 1 (1-hour) tutorial every week

Who may enrol : Compulsory for Year I (Freshman) LLB. Students

Prerequisites : N/A

Lecturer : To be announced on August 2020

Description : Constitutional Law I is designed to introduce students to the constitutional system of government; assess the sources of the British constitution; to study the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government, and to show the limitations on the exercise of governmental powers. More specifically, this course aims to introduce students to the principles of constitutional law such as the rule of law; separation of powers; the royal prerogative; and parliamentary supremacy. Additionally, it seeks to evaluate the British constitutional system in particular to a level which satisfies professional requirements; to encourage independent and critical thought and analysis; to promote skills of group work; and to develop skills of independent reading and research.

After completion of the course students are expected to be able to:

  • Assess the notion of the separation of powers and its importance in a modern liberal democratic state.
  • Evaluate the concept of Rule of Law, its essence in the British constitutional order and the different interpretations attached to it.
  • Explain the different sources of the UK Constitution, of much importance in light of its unwritten nature.
  • General overview of the improvement in rights protection following the passing of the Human Rights Act in 1998.
  • State the different institutions of government, including the roles undertaken by each.
  • Analyze the similarities and fundamental differences between the UK and Northern & Southern Cyprus Constitutions.
  • Appraise the public / private law dichotomy.

Course Content:

1. General introduction to Constitutional Law; Classification of Constitutions; Constitutionalism,

2. Sources of the British Constitution,

3. Separation of Powers ,

4. Rule of Law ,

5. Crown and the Royal Prerogative,

6. Parliamentary Supremacy ,

7. EU legal order ,

8. EU law and Parliamentary Supremacy,

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods: Interactive Lectures, Tutorials, Presentations, Role-Playing, Debates, Written Examinations, Assignments

Recommended Textbook (s) and Supplementary Books :

  1. Constitutional & Administrative Law Hilaire Barnett Routledge 2016
  2. Constitutional and Administrative Law, 15th ed. A W Bradley and K D Ewing (ed.) Oxford University Press 2008
  3. Introduction to Cyprus Law, 2nd ed. Dennis Cambell (ed.), Yorkhill Law Publishing 2009
  4. Reading lists and other materials will be provided for students registered on the course via online by lecturer.

Course Assessment:

  • Class Participation 10%,

  • Mid-term Examination 30%,

  • Assignments 10%,

  • Final Examination 50%,

Attendance 95 % compulsory.