Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Introduction to the Theory of Law
Course Code
SZF_011
Branch of Science
Law; Theory and History of Rights
ECTS
4.00
Target Audience
Political Science
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Marta Urbāne
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
The course aims to create an understanding of the theoretical basis and foundation of law in students of non-legal specialities, to clarify the nature and functions of law, to gain insight into the legal system of Latvia and various legal sectors – human rights, constitutional rights, administrative rights, paying particular attention to international law, as well as to raise awareness regarding the interpretation and application of legal norms.
Preliminary Knowledge
Introduction to law and politics.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.By successfully mastering this course, students will acquire knowledge and understanding of the essence of the theory of law and the nature of law, key developments in the field of public and private law, the legislative process, the court system in Latvia and legal professions. Knowledge will be tested during a seminar in the form of a test.
Skills
1.Students will be able to independently analyse legal processes in different legal sectors, analyse and use laws and case law in solving different problems, as well as evaluate the development trends and results of different processes related to law. Ability to use knowledge: to use sources of law to resolve different conflict situations, to use theoretical knowledge of the theory of law to substantiate their opinions, to discuss problems of law and current case law and legislation, to cooperate with students in debates on human rights. Skills will be tested in group work and a mock debate.
Competences
1.Following successful completion of the course, students will be competent to use theoretical knowledge in practice.
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
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% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
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1.
Individual work |
-
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-
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Electronic tests, essays, individual project, presentations.
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
|
Title
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% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
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1.
Examination |
-
|
-
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|
Reasoned essay is a creative written work in which, following precisely the structure of the text, an opinion on the chosen topic is substantiated and the statement put forward is proved.
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2.
Examination |
-
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-
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Students must prepare an analysis of a court judgement according to their interests.
The analysis must show the student’s contribution and the text cannot be copied from the judgment itself.
The student must be able to describe in his/her own words both the facts of the case, the legal problem and the judgment of the court.
Composition of analysis:
1. Presentation of the facts of the case
2. Outline of a major problem of law
3. Applicable legal provisions (regulatory enactments)
4. Court’s assessment outlined by the student
5. Student’s opinion about the court judgement
6. Theoretical insights from the analysis of the court judgment
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3.
Examination |
-
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-
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• Electronic tests on topics of the study course 30%;
• Essays (homework) 30%;
• Individual project 10%;
• Exam grade 30%.
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
|
2
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Topics
|
Concept and functions of law
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-
Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
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Topics
|
Classification and translation of rights
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-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Application of law
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Application of law
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Sources of law
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-
Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Main private and public law
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-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Application of sources of law
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Application of sources of law
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
International private and public law
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
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Topics
|
Creation of new legal provisions
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-
Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Creation of new legal provisions
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
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Current problems in private and public law
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-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
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Lobbying
|
-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Lobbying
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Auditorium
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2
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Topics
|
Legal system and legal professions
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Legal system and legal professions
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Trends in development of law
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Trends in development of law
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Current problems in application of law
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
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Topics
|
Current problems in human rights
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Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
4.00
Contact hours:
40 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Nīmande, E., Terehovičs, V. Tiesību pamati. Rīga, 2020
2.
Neimanis J. Ievads tiesībās. Rīga: 2004
3.
A.Plotnieks. Tiesību teorija & Juridiskā metode. Rīga: SIA „Izglītības soļi”, 2013
4.
Pleps J., Pastars E., Plakane I. Konstitucionālās tiesības. Rīga: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2021
Additional Reading
1.
Korņeva I., Likumu grāmata. Rīga: AS „Lauku avīze”, 2009. 12 – 19; 54 – 59.lpp.
2.
E.Levits. Izvērsta Satversmes preambula – materiāls. Jurista vārds, 2013.gada 24.septembris.
3.
Reine I. intervijā Gailītei D., Levitam G. Ekonomiskās krīzes ietekme uz cilvēktiesību izpratni. Jurista Vārds, 2011.gada 27.decembris.
4.
K.Torgāns. Saistību tiesības. I daļa. Mācību grāmata. Rīga: TNA, 2018, 11. - 19.lpp.
5.
Rācenāja Ņ. Darba līgums kā tiesību avots. Biznesa augstskola „Turība”, 2009. 8-72.lpp.
6.
Pļaviņa K. Kā risināt pretrunas starp Latvijas, starptautiskajām un Eiropas Savienības normām. Jurista vārds, 2011.gada 17.maijs, Nr.20(667).
7.
Kucina I. Tiesu prakses publicēšana kā viens no tiesas atvērtības instrumentiem. Jurista vārds, 2014.gada 1.jūlijs, Nr.25(827).
8.
Pētersons M. Vispārējie tiesību principi un Satversmes tiesas kompetence. Jurista vārds, 2011.gada 3.maijs, Nr.18(665).
9.
Pumpišs A. Tiesību normu iztulkošanas kvintesence. Jurista vārds, 2014.gada 1.jūlijā, Nr.25(827).
Other Information Sources
1.
Žurnāls "Jurista vārds"
2.
Likumi: www.likumi.lv
3.
www.tiesas.lv
4.
www.tm.gov.lv