Constitutional Foundations of Administrative Activity

General characterization

Prerequisites

Available soon

Bibliography

Available soon

Teaching method

The teaching methodology will have a dual dimension: practical and theoretical. Part I, essentially concerning the intersection of constitutional and administrative dogma, will be the subject of an essentially practical and jurisprudential teaching methodology. Part II will involve a more theoretical reflection and discussion on current challenges, based on the reading of doctrinal texts and class discussion. Finally, Part III - on the current constitutional revision process - will involve reading and discussing parliamentary revision projects, their different proposals and the doctrinal production that has emerged in the meantime on the subject (including a parliamentary pronouncement by the course lecturer).

Evaluation method

The current assessment regulation will be applied, making use of the possibilities of continuous assessment, since the intention is to have a participatory class with critical discussion by the students. To that extent, the completion of the Unit can be done through two methods:

(i) final exam (100%)

OR

(ii) Continuous assessment during the semester, with the following components:

a. Class participation (including timely reading of all materials) - 20%

b. A critical comment on a court decision with constitutional-administrative relevance (maximum 5 pages) - 40%

c. An essay reflecting on a current challenge to the administrative constitution (maximum 8 pages) - 40%

Subject matter

Part I - The Administrative Constitution

1. Constitutional principles of administrative activity

2. Organic Structure

3. Public employment

Part II - Some contemporary challenges to the administrative Constitution

1. Technology and administration 

2. Covid-19 pandemic: administrative intervention in sanitary matters

3. Administrative justice: public law arbitration

Part III - The ongoing constitutional amendment procedure and its impact on the administrative Constitution

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: