Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 25/26.R.3.00

Description Period: 2025./26 academic year rudens semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Constitutional Law

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
JF_404
Branch of Science
Law
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Juridical Science
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Dita Plepa
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts

Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv

About Study Course

Objective

The purpose of the study course is to enable students to acquire knowledge of the role of the Satversme (Constitution) of the Republic of Latvia (hereinafter – the Constitution) and other legislation of constitutional rank in the statehood of the Republic of Latvia; to develop skills in application of legislation of the highest legal validity and to develop the attitude that promotes respect for and protection of the values of a democratic and legal state.

Preliminary Knowledge

Legal Theory.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.On completion of the study course, students will have developed understanding of the main research objects of the constitutional law (the head of the state, parliament, executive power, court, constitution and constitutional control) and their interaction, including within the scope of the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia (Satversme).

Skills

1.Able to analyse and focus on the content of the constitutional law sector and to distinguish between the most important basic concepts, to use the acquired theoretical knowledge in solving legal cases and analysing laws and legislation by applying legal research and law interpretation methods. They acquire skills to interpret and apply the rules included in the Constitution, to clarify the content of general principles of law, to understand democratic and legal values of the State.

Competences

1.Able to understand the applicability and the role of the constitutional law. Opportunity to develop reasoning and polemic skills, analytical, critical and abstract thinking.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work
-
-
Preparing an individual written assignment according to the topics given and requirements set for during classes; independent study of the specified legal literature and practice materials.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Examination
-
-

In full-time studies, students must prepare a report - on the Institute of Law judged in the Constitution judgment. Volume 15.000 marks without spaces. Two reviews should be prepared on essays prepared by other students. The subject must be approved by the lecturer - within 10 days.
2.

Examination
-
10 points

The study assessment in full-time studies is determined by the percentage of two criteria that the Moodle system converts into integers:

1) practical part of the course - participation in discussions, seminars, tests, essay and review - up to 50%;

2) theoretical knowledge - a written exam - 50%.

The assessment of studies in part-time studies and distance learning shall be determined by the course teaching staff.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

History of the development of constitutional law. Classification of law. The role of constitutional law in the legal system. The Constitution as the Basic Law of the State. State and its constitutive elements, sovereign power, nation, territory. The concept of sovereignty in democratic society.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Models of state governance. Functions of state power. The concept of democracy. The genesis of the Constitution until November 18, 1918.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The concept of sovereignty in modern society. Sovereignty in cyberspace.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Principles of constitutional law. Introduction to the Constitution and its significance within the conception of the Constitution. General description of Chapter 1 of the Constitution. Article 1 of the Constitution and the constitutional and general principles of law resulting from it.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Principles of constitutional law. Introduction to the Constitution and its significance within the conception of the Constitution. General description of Chapter 1 of the Constitution. Article 1 of the Constitution and the constitutional and general principles of law resulting from it.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The sovereign power, territory, official language and the flag of the State of Latvia.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

On constitutional and general principles of law.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

On constitutional and general principles of law.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Computer room
2

Topics

-

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Reasons for refusal of a constitutional complaint in the practice of the Constitutional Court Boards.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

The concept of the principle of separation of powers and its role in democratic society. The principle of separation of powers included in the Constitution, constitutional authorities and chain of legitimacy.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

The Saeima (Parliament) the procedure for its election, the status of a Member of the Parliament. The President and his functions.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Executive power, its authorities and functions, local governments and their limits of action. Independent State institutions and their control. State Audit Office and its functions. The judiciary and its functions.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Legislators and their competences. The Saeima (Parliament) and its election procedure, the status of a Member of Parliament. The concept and stages of the legislative process.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Legislators and their competences. The Saeima (Parliament) and its election procedure, the status of a Member of Parliament. The concept and stages of the legislative process.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Principle of separation of power. Article 64 of the Constitution, doctrine of ultra vires.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Principle of separation of power. Article 64 of the Constitution, doctrine of ultra vires.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

The concept of translation of the Constitution, types of translation.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

The Constitutional Court, its functions and its interpretation of the Constitution. Violation of fundamental rights and the concept of a constitutional complaint.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Violation of constitutional rights, terms, abstract constitutional control.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Violation of constitutional rights, terms, abstract constitutional control.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

The fundamental rights included in Chapter VIII of the Constitution and their general description. The role of the EU law and international human rights in the application of the fundamental rights included in Chapter VIII of the Constitution.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

The fundamental rights included in Chapter VIII of the Constitution and their general description. The role of the EU law and international human rights in the application of the fundamental rights included in Chapter VIII of the Constitution.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Violation of fundamental rights.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Methodology for the evaluation of the restriction of fundamental rights included in Chapter VIII of the Constitution, the positive obligation of the State. The purpose of the norm and the legitimate aim of the restriction of fundamental rights.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Methodology for the evaluation of the restriction of fundamental rights included in Chapter VIII of the Constitution, the positive obligation of the State. The purpose of the norm and the legitimate aim of the restriction of fundamental rights.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Methodology for the evaluation of the restriction of fundamental rights included in Chapter VIII of the Constitution, the positive obligation of the State. The purpose of the norm and the legitimate aim of the restriction of fundamental rights.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Application of the fundamental rights limitation test.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

A constitutional complaint, its elements. Criteria laid down in the Constitutional Court Law for the submission of the constitutional complaint, the types of infringement of rights.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

A constitutional complaint, its elements. Criteria laid down in the Constitutional Court Law for the submission of the constitutional complaint, the types of infringement of rights.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

A constitutional complaint, its elements. Criteria laid down in the Constitutional Court Law for the submission of the constitutional complaint, the types of infringement of rights.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

-
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
64 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
PART-TIME
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

History of the development of constitutional law. Classification of law. The role of constitutional law in the legal system. The Constitution as the Basic Law of the State. State and its constitutive elements, sovereign power, nation, territory. The concept of sovereignty in democratic society.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

History of the development of constitutional law. Classification of law. The role of constitutional law in the legal system. The Constitution as the Basic Law of the State. State and its constitutive elements, sovereign power, nation, territory. The concept of sovereignty in democratic society.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Models of state governance. Functions of state power. The concept of democracy. The genesis of the Constitution until November 18, 1918.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Principles of constitutional law. Introduction to the Constitution and its significance within the conception of the Constitution. General description of Chapter 1 of the Constitution. Article 1 of the Constitution and the constitutional and general principles of law resulting from it.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Principles of constitutional law. Introduction to the Constitution and its significance within the conception of the Constitution. General description of Chapter 1 of the Constitution. Article 1 of the Constitution and the constitutional and general principles of law resulting from it.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The concept of the principle of separation of powers and its role in democratic society. The principle of separation of powers included in the Constitution, constitutional authorities and chain of legitimacy.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Violation of fundamental rights.
Methodology for the evaluation of the restriction of fundamental rights included in Chapter VIII of the Constitution, the positive obligation of the State. The purpose of the norm and the legitimate aim of the restriction of fundamental rights.
Application of the fundamental rights limitation test.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Methodology for the evaluation of the restriction of fundamental rights included in Chapter VIII of the Constitution, the positive obligation of the State. The purpose of the norm and the legitimate aim of the restriction of fundamental rights.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Methodology for the evaluation of the restriction of fundamental rights included in Chapter VIII of the Constitution, the positive obligation of the State. The purpose of the norm and the legitimate aim of the restriction of fundamental rights.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Reasons for refusal of a constitutional complaint in the practice of the Constitutional Court Boards.
A constitutional complaint, its elements. Criteria laid down in the Constitutional Court Law for the submission of the constitutional complaint, the types of infringement of rights.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
20 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Latvijas Republikas Satversme

2.

Saeimas vēlēšanu likums

3.

Pašvaldības domes vēlēšanu likums

4.

Saeimas kārtības rullis

5.

Valsts pārvaldees iekārtas likums

6.

Valsts Prezidenta ievēlēšanas likums

7.

Par tiesu varu

8.

Satversmes tiesas likums

9.

Par tautas nobalsošanu, likumu ierosināšanu un Eiropas pilsoņu iniciatīvu

10.

Dišlers K. Ievads Latvijas valststiesību zinātnē. Ar zinātnisko redaktoru piezīmēm. Rīga: Tiesu namu aģentūra, 2017.

11.

Pleps J., Pastars E., Plakane I. Konstitucionālās tiesības. Tiesu iekārta Rīga, TNA, 2021

12.

Pleps J. Satversmes iztulkošana. Rīga: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2012.

13.

Eglītis V. Ievads konstitūcjas teorijā. Rīga: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2006.

14.

Jānis Neimanis Satversmes tiesas procesa tiesības

15.

Cilvēka tiesības pasaulē un Latvijā. I. Ziemeles zin. red. Otrais pārstrādātais izdevums, TNA, 2021

Additional Reading

1.

Dišlers K. Latvijas valsts varas orgāni un viņu funkcijas. Rīga: Tiesu namu aģentūra, 2004.

2.

Pleps J., Pastars E., Plakane I. Konstitucionālās tiesības. – Rīga: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2004.

3.

Pleps J., Pastars E. Saeimas atlaišana. Rakstu krājums. Rīga: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2009.

4.

Lēbers (Loeber) D.A., Bišers I. Ministru kabinets. Komentārs Latvijas Republikas Satversmes IV nodaļai „Ministru kabinets”. – Rīga: Tiesiskās informācijas centrs, 1998.

5.

Vildbergs H.J. (Hans Jurgen Wildberg), Feldhūne G. Atsauces Satversmei: mācību līdzeklis. Rīga: Latvijas Universitāte, 2003.

6.

Ziemele I. Starptautiskās tiesības un cilvēktiesības Latvijā: abstrakcija vai realitāte. Rakstu krājums. - Rīga: Tiesu namu aģentūra, 2005.

7.

Valsts prezidenta Konstitucionālo tiesību komisija. Viedokļi: 2008-2011. Rīga: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2011.

8.

Iļjanova D. Vispārējos tiesību principu nozīme un piemērošana. – Rīga: Ratio iuris, 2005.

9.

Latvijas Republikas Satversmes komentāri. VIII nodaļa. Cilvēka pamattiesības. Autoru kolektīvs prof. R.Baloža zinātniskā vadībā. Rīga: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2011;

10.

Latvijas Republikas Satversmes komentāri. VI nodaļa. Tiesa. VII nodaļa. Valsts kontrole. Autoru kolektīvs prof. R.Baloža zinātniskā vadībā. Rīga: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2013

11.

Latvijas Republikas Satversmes komentāri. Ievads. I nodaļa. Vispārējie noteikumi. Autoru kolektīvs prof. R.Baloža zinātniskā vadībā. Rīga: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2014

12.

Latvijas Republikas Satversmes komentāri. III nodaļa. Valsts prezidents. IV nodaļa. Ministru kabinets. Rīga: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2017

13.

Pleps J. Latvijas valsts konstitucionālie pamati. “Latvieši un Latvija”, III sējums “Atjaunotā Latvijas valsts”. Rīga: Latvijas Zinātņu akadēmija, 2013

14.

Robežlīgums: Spriedums. Materiāli. Komentāri. Rīga: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2009.

15.

Rodiņa A. Konstitucionālās sūdzības teorija un prakse Latvijā. Rīga: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2009.

16.

Lēbers D. A.(ed.), Latvijas tiesību vēsture (1914-2000), Rīga: Fonds Latvijas Vēsture: Rīga, 2000

17.

Crawford J. Creation of States, Oxford University Press Inc., New York, 2006

18.

Krūma K., Plepa D. Constitutional law in Latvia. The Netherlands: Kluver Law International BV, 2016

19.

Sanita Osipova Nācija,valoda,tiesiska valsts: Ceļā uz rītdienu. TNA, 2020

Other Information Sources

1.

Žurnāls: Jurista Vārds

2.

Interneta resursi: Satversmes tiesas mājaslapa (www.satv.tiesa.gov.lv), normatīvie akti (www.likumi.lv).