European Court of Justice and Other Famous Courts

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

At the end of this course it is expected that students will have a detailed understanding of the politics, history and law of the European Court of Justice, one of the most remarkable institutions in contemporary international politics and without precedent in previous world history. It will be an interdisciplinary module drawing on political science, law, and history. Although the major focus of the module is on the European Court of Justice, the politics and law of other courts and international tribunals will also be discussed, certainly including the United States Supreme Court and the politics of the US constitution, but also perhaps including the Supreme Court of Ireland and the German Bundesverfassungsgericht as well as international dispute settlement tribunals such as the World Trade Organization, Investor-State Dispute Settlement systems, and the European Convention on Human Rights. This module is supported by the Jean Monnet Chair in EU Law and Politics which will enable talks by a variety of outside speakers including scholars, historians, and practicing lawyers.