Courses :: Module, COURTS AND JUDGES

	Overview
	Courts have become increasingly important actors in contemporary societies. Courts evolved from the �least dangerous branch� into bodies resolving fundamental societal and political disputes. The course �Courts and Judges� will provide students with an understanding of current debates concerning courts. The course builds on solid theoretical and conceptual background, coupled with rich case law and empirical case studies. The course will provide an understanding of courts as legal and political institutions and demonstrate different perspectives on courts. It will demonstrate the growing power of courts and explain why it happened. Students will be able to critically discuss the pros and cons of strong courts and judicial review. The core of the course will focus on key concepts such as judicial independence, accountability, public confidence and legitimacy, and transparency. Finally, the course will elaborate on the benefits of diversity on the bench, the varieties of systems of judicial self-governance and the increasing significance of international courts. Students will also reflect on the role of courts in current trends of democratic decay/the rule of law backsliding.

Overview

Courts have become increasingly important actors in contemporary societies. Courts evolved from the �least dangerous branch� into bodies resolving fundamental societal and political disputes. The course �Courts and Judges� will provide students with an understanding of current debates concerning courts. The course builds on solid theoretical and conceptual background, coupled with rich case law and empirical case studies. The course will provide an understanding of courts as legal and political institutions and demonstrate different perspectives on courts. It will demonstrate the growing power of courts and explain why it happened. Students will be able to critically discuss the pros and cons of strong courts and judicial review. The core of the course will focus on key concepts such as judicial independence, accountability, public confidence and legitimacy, and transparency. Finally, the course will elaborate on the benefits of diversity on the bench, the varieties of systems of judicial self-governance and the increasing significance of international courts. Students will also reflect on the role of courts in current trends of democratic decay/the rule of law backsliding.

	Learning Outcomes
	On successful completion of the module, students should be able to: Gain a new, richer perspective on courts as legal and political institutions. Have an overview of different judicial systems, their main characteristics, and similarities and differences. Comprehend key concepts related to modern judiciary, such as the rule of law, judicial independence, judicial accountability, transparency and legitimacy. Be able to critically discuss those concepts and be aware of current debates surrounding them. Become familiar with both national and international case law putting those key concepts in practice. Understand the complex relationship between courts, society, politics and media. Identify and examine different models of judicial self-governance. Be able to discuss the role of courts in the current international environment of democratic decay/rule of law backsliding. Comprehend the role of the international judiciary and its influence on international and domestic law and politics. Be able to apply conceptual knowledge to real-world cases. Demonstrate the ability to pursue an argument, using primary sources and academic literature, as well as the ability to synthesise material from a broad variety of sources. Demonstrate enhanced research skills, primarily library skills, but also use of databases and appropriate use of Internet resources.

Learning Outcomes

	Autumn Supplementals/Resits
	Are supplemental/resit registrations permitted? Yes

Autumn Supplementals/Resits

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COURTS AND JUDGES

Semester 1

Semester 2