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Carlo Guarnieri

Today, an increasing number of democratic countries are confronting an unprecedented expansion of judicial power: more and more frequently decision-making rights are transferred from the legislative and executive branches to the courts, a process successfully labeled as the “judicialization of politics”. The course analyzes the traits of the phenomenon and its impact on the political system. Therefore, the role of the judge in the process of adjudication and the whole structure of the judicial system are considered. Specific attention is devoted to the recruitment, training and independence of judges and prosecutors and to the institutional relationships between courts and the political environment. Different definitions of the judicial role are analyzed and their political consequences assessed. Examples of judicialization are considered and discussed. Finally, the course evaluates the overall role of courts in different political systems and considers future developments.

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Today, an increasing number of democratic countries are confronting an unprecedented expansion of judicial power: more and more frequently decision-making rights are transferred from the legislative and executive branches to the courts, a process successfully labeled as the “judicialization of politics”. The course analyzes the traits of the phenomenon and its impact on the political system. Therefore, the role of the judge in the process of adjudication and the whole structure of the judicial system are considered. Specific attention is devoted to the recruitment, training and independence of judges and prosecutors and to the institutional relationships between courts and the political environment. Different definitions of the judicial role are analyzed and their political consequences assessed. Examples of judicialization are considered and discussed. Finally, the course evaluates the overall role of courts in different political systems and considers future developments.

The course addresses itself to master (LM) students in political science and/or law and to anyone interested in the analysis of the transformations of contemporary political systems.

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Learning objectives

  • The role of the judge in the process of adjudication and the whole structure of the judicial system
  • The main elements of the judicial systems and their interactions
  • The relations between the courts and the political environment
  • Perspectives of change and possible reforms in different political contexts
  • The transformations of contemporary political systems

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive overview of the judicial system and its role in contemporary political systems
Taught by Carlo Guarnieri, an expert in political science and the judiciary
Examines the impact of judicial power on political decision-making, highlighting the increasing transfer of rights from other branches
Suitable for students in political science or law, as well as anyone interested in the transformation of contemporary political systems
Requires students to have a background in political science and/or law
Provides a theoretical foundation rather than practical training in judicial work

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Reviews summary

Exceptionally reviewed judicial systems course

According to students, Comparative Judicial Systems is an exceptional course that is well-received for its lectures. Learners particularly enjoyed the engaging course materials and appreciated the professor's expertise in the field. Overall, students were very satisfied with the course and highly recommend it.
Professor was highly knowledgeable and an expert in the field.
Top-notch course with engaging lectures.
"I would like to include this course on my mailing list as I would like to commence it subsequently and hopefully you can admit me into your university in 2022 for other law classes thank you Mpho Tshoagong"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Comparative Judicial Systems with these activities:
Review Constitutional Law and Politics
Review the foundational concepts and principles of constitutional law to strengthen your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
  • Identify key concepts and definitions.
  • Summarize the major cases and rulings.
  • Analyze the relationships between different branches of government.
Contribute to Open Source Legal Projects
Enhance your technical skills and contribute to the development of open source legal tools and resources.
Browse courses on Legal Technology
Show steps
  • Identify open source legal projects on platforms like GitHub.
  • Review the project documentation and codebase.
  • Contribute to the project by fixing bugs, adding features, or improving documentation.
Explain the Role of Judges
Solidify your understanding of the role and responsibilities of judges in the judicial system.
Browse courses on Judicial Power
Show steps
  • Describe the different functions of judges.
  • Analyze the ethical principles that guide judicial conduct.
  • Discuss the challenges and controversies surrounding judicial power.
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Analyze Judicial Opinions
Improve your analytical skills by practicing the analysis of judicial opinions.
Browse courses on Legal Reasoning
Show steps
  • Identify the facts and legal issues of a case.
  • Analyze the court's reasoning and arguments.
  • Apply the principles of legal reasoning to new cases.
Case Study: Judicial Review
Develop a deep understanding of the principles and practical applications of judicial review by analyzing real-world cases.
Browse courses on Judicial Review
Show steps
  • Select a case involving judicial review.
  • Research the legal and historical background of the case.
  • Analyze the court's reasoning and arguments.
  • Present your findings in a written report.
Presentation on Judicial Activism
Enhance your communication and critical thinking skills by analyzing and presenting on the complex issue of judicial activism.
Show steps
  • Research the concept and history of judicial activism.
  • Identify different perspectives on judicial activism.
  • Develop a clear and persuasive argument.
  • Create a visually engaging presentation.
Practice Courtroom Argumentation
Develop essential trial skills by participating in mock courtroom arguments.
Show steps
  • Prepare arguments based on legal research.
  • Practice presenting arguments in a courtroom setting.
  • Receive feedback from instructors and peers.

Career center

Learners who complete Comparative Judicial Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Judge
Judges preside over court proceedings and make decisions on legal matters. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Judge, as it provides a foundation in the structure of judicial systems and the role of judges in the process of adjudication.
Magistrate
Magistrates are judicial officers who preside over lower courts and handle preliminary proceedings. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Magistrate, as it provides a foundation in the structure of judicial systems and the role of judges in the process of adjudication.
Court Administrator
Court Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of courts. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Court Administrator, as it provides a foundation in the structure of judicial systems and the role of judges in the process of adjudication.
Law Professor
Law Professors teach law and conduct legal research. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Law Professor, as it provides a foundation in the structure of judicial systems and the role of judges in the process of adjudication.
Political Scientist
Political Scientists study politics and government. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Political Scientist, as it provides a foundation in the role of courts in different political systems.
Journalist
Journalists report on current events and issues. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Journalist, as it provides a foundation in the role of courts in different political systems.
Historian
Historians study the past and its impact on the present. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Historian, as it provides a foundation in the role of courts in different political systems.
Sociologist
Sociologists study society and social behavior. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Sociologist, as it provides a foundation in the role of courts in different political systems.
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as an Anthropologist, as it provides a foundation in the role of courts in different political systems.
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, interpret, and present data. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Statistician, as it provides a foundation in the role of courts in different political systems.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Policy Analyst, as it provides a foundation in the role of courts in different political systems.
Economist
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as an Economist, as it provides a foundation in the role of courts in different political systems.
Paralegal
Paralegals provide legal support to lawyers and other legal professionals. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Paralegal, as it provides a foundation in the structure of judicial systems and the role of judges in the process of adjudication.
Lawyer
Lawyers are responsible for advising and representing clients in legal matters. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Lawyer, as it provides a foundation in the structure of judicial systems and the role of judges in the process of adjudication.
Legal Assistant
Legal Assistants provide administrative and legal support to lawyers. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Legal Assistant, as it provides a foundation in the structure of judicial systems and the role of judges in the process of adjudication.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Comparative Judicial Systems.
Examines the political context of judicial decisions in different countries. It explores the factors that influence judicial decisions and analyzes the implications for democratic governance.
Explores the theoretical foundations of judicial power in democratic societies. It provides a critical analysis of the role of courts in a democracy and raises important questions about the legitimacy of judicial power.
Provides a comparative perspective on judicial systems around the world. It covers a wide range of topics, including the role of judges, the structure of judicial systems, and the relationship between courts and other political institutions.
Examines the political factors that affect judicial independence. It provides a comparative analysis of judicial independence in different countries and explores the challenges to judicial independence in the modern world.
Provides a collection of readings on comparative judicial systems. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the different ways that courts operate around the world.
Provides a theoretical analysis of the judicialization of politics. It explores the different factors that contribute to judicialization and analyzes the implications for democratic governance.

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