The Court of Justice of the European Union: Constitutional and Procedural Perspectives, 15 credits

Learning outcomes

At the completion of the course the student shall be able to:

• account for the institutional features and the decision-making process of the Court of Justice of the European Union,
• discuss with a critical approach the functions and the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union, and
• critically analyze and evaluate legal argumentation.

Content

The course aims at deepening the student’s knowledge and understanding of the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in the European Union’s complex, multilevel constitutional system. Moreover, a special focus is placed on the CJEU’s institutional setting and decision-making process and its dialogue with other national and international courts.

Examinations and grades

The Court of Justice of the European Union 1, 7.5 credits (Code: A003)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

The Court of Justice of the European Union 2, 7.5 credits (Code: A004)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Comments on grades

To obtain a final grade on the course, both examinations (codes A003 and A004) are to be completed successfully. The course grade will be an average of the two examinations’ grades.

Modes of assessment

The Court of Justice of the European Union 1, 7.5 credits (Code: A003)
Written assignment.
If a student does not achieve an approved grade, but with a limited effort is deemed to be able to reach it, the student complete in accordance with the examiner’s instructions. The supplement shall be completed within five working days from the time the student is assigned the instruction.

The Court of Justice of the European Union 2, 7.5 credits (Code: A004)
Continuous examination.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

180 credits at the bachelor level out of which 90 credits with increasing depth within law, and including 5 credits of EU law; alternatively, 180 credits at the bachelor level of which 90 credits with increasing depth within political science and 5 credits of EU law. Additional requirements: English Course 6/English Course B.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

Pierdominici, Leonardo (2020)
The Mimetic Evolution of the Court of Justice of the EU
Springer, 418 pages

Additions to and Comments on the Reading List

Always the latest edition of the books on the reading list are used.

Additional materials of maximum 500 pages, such as articles and cases, are also part of the required readings.