Legal Traditions of the World, 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

At the completion of the sub-course the students should be able to:

• give an account of how the world’s main legal traditions have developed historically,
• discuss the fundamental differences between the world’s main legal traditions as regards legal sources, the role of the courts and other legal actors,
• demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between legal development and changes in society and the general culture,
• develop an independent and critical approach to law, especially regarding the interaction between different sources of law.

Content

The course offers the student a view of the world’s main legal traditions. The primary emphasis will be placed on the differences between the common law and civil law legal families within the Western legal tradition, as well as the differences between these and other legal traditions in the world, especially those rooted in religious foundations. Legal sources and the role of the courts and other legal actors in the different systems are studied with special consideration. These topics will also be continuously addressed within the context of the Scandinavian legal tradition. Moreover, during the course, the impact of digitalization on law in a globalized world will be examined from a comparative perspective.

Examinations and grades

Legal Traditions of the World, 7.5 credits (Code: A002)
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

In order to obtain a passing final course grade on the course, the minimum grade required is Sufficient (E) for the examination Legal Traditions of the World (A002). The final course grade will be based on the grade obtained on the examination Legal Traditions of the World (A002).

Modes of assessment

Legal Traditions of the World, 7.5 credits (Code: A002)
Oral 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

Basic Course in Law, 30 ECTS credits, and Intermediate Course in Law, 30 ECTS credits (for exchange students).

Introduction to Legal Thinking 30 ECTS credits, Comparative Constitutional Law 7.5 ECTS credits, and 22.5 ECTS credits from other courses in the field of law (for programme students only).

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

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

The oral examinations will be recorded with digital voice recording.

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

Siems, Mathias
Comparative Law
Cambridge University Press, app. 530 pages (selected chapters)

Mattei, Ugo
Three Patterns of Law: Taxonomy and Change in the World's Legal Systems (1997)
45 American Journal of Comparative Law, 5-44

Additions and Comments on the Reading List

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

Some literature may be found online and as E-book.

Additional materials of approximately 300 pages, such as articles and case-law, may also be part of the required reading.