Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Constitutional Law and Legal Theory
Course Code
SZF_131
Branch of Science
Law
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Juridical Science
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Jānis Neimanis
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
To develop understanding of the principles, sources, institutions, provisions of constitutional law and legal theory, and the constitutional system in Latvia.
To acquaint students with the basics of legal theory. To facilitate students’ ability to independently analyse legal processes, while explaining the theoretical basis and fundamentals of law, the essence and functions of law, paying attention to public and private law.
Preliminary Knowledge
Introduction to Law, History of Law.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Students understand the principles, sources, institutions of constitutional law, principles of the division of state authority, constitutional system of Latvia. Understand general principles of legal theory and the system of legal provisions, which regulates the position of an individual in society and the state, the basics of legal theory.
Skills
1.Students are able to express and substantiate their opinion on the constitutional issues of the implementation of state authority. To analyse, synthesise, and assess basic issues of legal theory as well as deal with practical issues. Being able to apply knowledge in practice – to identify and solve practical issues related to legal theory matters. Communication skills – to be able to communicate on legal theory issues. To be able to communicate on a topic using appropriate terminology.
Competences
1.Ability to apply methods for interpretation of the law, ability to apply knowledge and skills for professional and personal development. Application of legal norms (in legal theory and other fields) not only “mechanically” but in accordance with public interests and priorities, thus synthesizing the skills to work with the legislative basis and understanding of law in general. To provide not only formal solutions to legal issues, but also find solutions that address the wishes and priorities of society (local community) and improve public administration in general.
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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1.
Individual work |
-
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-
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To develop and prepare an essay (the content should contain the following: problem, causation of the problem, solution to the problem).
In order to evaluate the quality of the study course as a whole, the student must fill out the study course evaluation questionnaire on the Student Portal.
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Examination
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Title
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% from total grade
|
Grade
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|---|---|---|
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1.
Examination |
-
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-
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Homework, exam – written.
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Constitutional law as a science and field of law. The concept, functions, types of creation, and classification of a constitution. The essence and basic principles of constitutionalism.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Constitutional law as a science and field of law. The concept, functions, types of creation, and classification of a constitution. The essence and basic principles of constitutionalism.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The concept and forms of sovereignty. The essence of the division of state authority. The specifics, models, structure of the legislative power. The Saeima of the Republic of Latvia. The institution, concept and types of legislative power. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia. Judicial power. Competence of the Constitutional Court.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The concept and forms of sovereignty. The essence of the division of state authority. The specifics, models, structure of the legislative power. The Saeima of the Republic of Latvia. The institution, concept and types of legislative power. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia. Judicial power. Competence of the Constitutional Court.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The concept and forms of sovereignty. The essence of the division of state authority. The specifics, models, structure of the legislative power. The Saeima of the Republic of Latvia. The institution, concept and types of legislative power. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia. Judicial power. Competence of the Constitutional Court.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The concept and forms of sovereignty. The essence of the division of state authority. The specifics, models, structure of the legislative power. The Saeima of the Republic of Latvia. The institution, concept and types of legislative power. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia. Judicial power. Competence of the Constitutional Court.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The concept and forms of sovereignty. The essence of the division of state authority. The specifics, models, structure of the legislative power. The Saeima of the Republic of Latvia. The institution, concept and types of legislative power. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia. Judicial power. Competence of the Constitutional Court.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Institution of the head of state. Institution of the president of the Republic of Latvia. Institutions of citizenship and naturalisation in Latvia.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Institution of the head of state. Institution of the president of the Republic of Latvia. Institutions of citizenship and naturalisation in Latvia.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Institution of human rights in constitutional law. Institution of the state audit office in Latvia, the structure and competence thereof. Electoral law institution in Latvia.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Institution of human rights in constitutional law. Institution of the state audit office in Latvia, the structure and competence thereof. Electoral law institution in Latvia.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Understanding of law. Social and legal norms. Legal relations.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Understanding of law. Social and legal norms. Legal relations.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Understanding of law. Social and legal norms. Legal relations.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Positive rights. Natural rights. Statutory regulations.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Positive rights. Natural rights. Statutory regulations.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Legal system. Creation of new statutory regulations, force thereof. Implementation of legal provisions.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Legal system. Creation of new statutory regulations, force thereof. Implementation of legal provisions.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Traditions, families, and groups of law. Jurisdiction.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Traditions, families, and groups of law. Jurisdiction.
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
40 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
PART-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Constitutional law as a science and field of law. The concept, functions, types of creation, and classification of a constitution. The essence and basic principles of constitutionalism.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Constitutional law as a science and field of law. The concept, functions, types of creation, and classification of a constitution. The essence and basic principles of constitutionalism.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The concept and forms of sovereignty. The essence of the division of state authority. The specifics, models, structure of the legislative power. The Saeima of the Republic of Latvia. The institution, concept and types of legislative power. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia. Judicial power. Competence of the Constitutional Court.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The concept and forms of sovereignty. The essence of the division of state authority. The specifics, models, structure of the legislative power. The Saeima of the Republic of Latvia. The institution, concept and types of legislative power. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia. Judicial power. Competence of the Constitutional Court.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Institution of the head of state. Institution of the president of the Republic of Latvia. Institutions of citizenship and naturalisation in Latvia.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Institution of the head of state. Institution of the president of the Republic of Latvia. Institutions of citizenship and naturalisation in Latvia.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Institution of human rights in constitutional law. Institution of the state audit office in Latvia, the structure and competence thereof. Electoral law institution in Latvia.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Institution of human rights in constitutional law. Institution of the state audit office in Latvia, the structure and competence thereof. Electoral law institution in Latvia.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Understanding of law. Social and legal norms. Legal relations.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Understanding of law. Social and legal norms. Legal relations.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Positive rights. Natural rights. Statutory regulations.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Positive rights. Natural rights. Statutory regulations.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Legal system. Creation of new statutory regulations, force thereof. Implementation of legal provisions.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Legal system. Creation of new statutory regulations, force thereof. Implementation of legal provisions.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Traditions, families, and groups of law. Jurisdiction.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Traditions, families, and groups of law. Jurisdiction.
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Pleps J, Pastars E., Plakane I. Konstitucionālās tiesības. Papildināts un pārstrādāts izdevums. Rīga: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2014.
2.
Pleps J. Satversmes iztulkošana. Rīga: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2012.
3.
Valsts prezidenta Konstitucionālo tiesību komisija. Viedokļi: 2008-2011. Rīga: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2011.
4.
Latvijas Republikas Satversmes komentāri. VI nodaļa. Tiesa. VII nodaļa. Valsts kontrole. Autoru kolektīvs prof. R.Baloža zinātniskā vadībā. Rīga. Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2013.
5.
Dišlers K. Ievads Latvijas valststiesību zinātnē. Ar zinātnisko redaktoru piezīmēm. Rīga: Tiesu namu aģentūra, 2017
6.
Meļķisis E. Tiesību normu iztulkošana / Latvijas tiesiskās sistēmas ceļš uz demokrātisku tiesisku valsti. Tiesu namu aģentūra, 2014
7.
Razevska D. Vispārējo tiesību principu nozīme un piemērošana. Rīga: TNA, 2015.
Additional Reading
1.
Latvijas Republikas Satversmes komentāri. Ievads. I nodaļa. Vispārējie noteikumi. Autoru kolektīvs prof. R.Baloža zinātniskā vadībā. Rīga: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2014
2.
Latvijas Republikas Satversmes komentāri. III nodaļa. Valsts prezidents. IV nodaļa. Ministru kabinets. Rīga: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2017
3.
Krūma K., Plepa D. Constitutional law in Latvia. The Netherlands: Kluver Law International BV, 2016
4.
Džohansens S., Broka B. Juridiskā analīze un tekstu rakstīšana. Rīga: TNA, 2017.
5.
Ginsburg J. Legal Methods. University Casebook Series, 2014.
Other Information Sources
1.
Žurnāli: Jurista Vārds, Likums un Tiesības.
2.
Satversmes tiesas mājaslapa normatīvie akti