COURSE INFORMATION Course Title: CONSTITUTIONAL LAW

Code	Course Type	Regular Semester	Theory	Practice	Lab	Credits	ECTS
LAW 116	B	2	3	0	0	3	5

Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature)	Dr. Heliona Miço hmico@epoka.edu.al
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	Dr. Heliona Miço hmico@epoka.edu.al , Thursday 12.30-14.30
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:
Language:	English
Compulsory/Elective:	Compulsory
Study program: (the study for which this course is offered)	Bachelor in Political Science and International Relations (3 years)
Classroom and Meeting Time:	Thursday 09.40-12.30
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours:	Katerina Çela
Code of Ethics:	Code of Ethics of EPOKA University Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline"
Attendance Requirement:	75%
Course Description:	The aim of the course is to enable the students to grasp the structure, organization and functioning of the state. The development of constitutionalism and the principles and procedures of constitutional law will also be covered. The course lies in three main axes: in the study of political-constitutional institutions, organization, functioning and relations between them, in the study of the normative system in the Republic of Albania established by the Constitution, as well as in the study of constitutional protection of rights and freedoms fundamental to humanity. This study is carried out especially in the dimension of domestic constitutional law, but it is also perceived in the comparative plan, through the study compared to the acts of international law and the constitutional rights of major democracies. Also, the study extends not only to the development of theory and doctrine, but also to the development of constitutional jurisprudence and practice.
Course Objectives:	The objective of the course is to give the students a complete overview of constitutional law with special reference to the Albanian Constitution. The objectives of the course include: Understanding the Constitution: To familiarize students with the foundational principles, structure, and provisions of the constitution(s) relevant to the jurisdiction being studied. This includes both written and unwritten aspects of the Constitution. Analyzing Constitutional Issues: To develop students' ability to analyze and critically evaluate constitutional issues, including conflicts between different branches of government, separation of powers, and individual rights. Interpreting Constitutional Law: To explore various methods of constitutional interpretation, and the role of precedent in constitutional jurisprudence. Legal Reasoning and Argumentation: To enhance students' skills in legal reasoning, argumentation, and the application of constitutional principles to real-world scenarios. Historical and Comparative Perspectives: To provide historical context and comparative perspectives on constitutional law, including comparisons with other legal systems and the evolution of constitutional doctrines over time.

BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE

1	1. Normative system This has led to the incorporation of community norms by European institutions and the sanctioning of notions of international law.
2	2. Constitutions and conventions They are acts that contain the basic principles of state organization and the rights of citizens.
3	3. Source of law: The source of law is any element, fact, or act, regardless of its form, that contains a binding rule for the members of a certain society.
4	4. Normative act- an act issued by a certain body as a result of a procedure provided by the norms of legal production.
5	5. The formal sources of constitutional law: They are legal acts in force, of general importance, which are presented in written form and serve to regulate the relationship in the constitutional field.
6	6. Material resources: Behavior and objective factors that condition the production of norms of constitutional law.
7	7. Constitutional jurisprudence The main contribution is given by the constitutional courts with their reasoned decisions, but also by the ordinary judges who give constitutional justice.

COURSE OUTLINE

Week	Topics
1	Definition of Constitutional Law; The Sources of Constitutional Law. History of Constitutional Law. Constitutionalism in Europe and Albania. The object of constitutional law. Sources of constitutional law. Formal sources of constitutional law Material sources of constitutional law. Prof. Luan Omari dhe Prof. Dr. Aurela Anastasi. (2017). “E drejta Kushtetuese”, Ribotim i përditësuar. Shtëpia Botuese “Pegi”. Tiranë. ISBN 978-99956-01-41-6 fq. 9-23
2	The meaning of the Constitution and its importance; the Constitutional Models; Types of constitutions. The structure of the constitution. The approval & the amendments of the constitution. 5. The system of the sources of law. Prof. Luan Omari dhe Prof. Dr. Aurela Anastasi. (2017). “E drejta Kushtetuese”, Ribotim i përditësuar. Shtëpia Botuese “Pegi”. Tiranë. ISBN 978-99956-01-41-6 fq.23-51
3	The constitutional principles for human rights and freedoms. The Constitution and the international law; regulatory systems. The case of Albania; (ratification of international agreements…). The constitutional formula for Albania's European integration. The procedures that guarantee compliance between domestic constitutional norms and international norms. The constitutional principles for fundamental human rights and freedoms. Prof. Luan Omari dhe Prof. Dr. Aurela Anastasi. (2017). “E drejta Kushtetuese”, Ribotim i përditësuar. Shtëpia Botuese “Pegi”. Tiranë. ISBN 978-99956-01-41-6, fq 51-81
4	The human rights and fundamental freedoms; constitutional guarantees. Understanding fundamental rights and freedoms. The subjects of fundamental rights and freedoms. Understanding and classification of the constitutional guarantees. Basic guarantees and jurisdictional guarantees. The classification of human rights and freedoms. Prof. Luan Omari dhe Prof. Dr. Aurela Anastasi. (2017). “E drejta Kushtetuese”, Ribotim i përditësuar. Shtëpia Botuese “Pegi”. Tiranë. ISBN 978-99956-01-41-6, fq 81-110
5	Individual rights and freedoms. The right to life. Freedom of expression. The right to be informed. Freedom of conscience and religion. Personal freedom and security. Constitutional guarantees. Prof. Luan Omari dhe Prof. Dr. Aurela Anastasi. (2017). “E drejta Kushtetuese”, Ribotim i përditësuar. Shtëpia Botuese “Pegi”. Tiranë. ISBN 978-99956-01-41-6, fq 113-148
6	Political rights and freedoms. Economic, social and cultural rights. Personal rights (The right to enjoy private life; the right to private property; due process of law) Freedoms and political rights (the right to vote; general principles and voting features; the right to organize collectively; political parties) Economic, social and cultural rights (the right to a normal family life; the right to education; the right to work; the right to health care). Prof. Luan Omari dhe Prof. Dr. Aurela Anastasi. (2017). “E drejta Kushtetuese”, Ribotim i përditësuar. Shtëpia Botuese “Pegi”. Tiranë. ISBN 978-99956-01-41-6, fq 148-177
7	The legislative power. The organisation and the functioning of the Parliament. General characteristics of parliament. The mandate of the deputy and his status. The termination of the mandate of the deputy. Prof. Luan Omari dhe Prof. Dr. Aurela Anastasi. (2017). “E drejta Kushtetuese”, Ribotim i përditësuar. Shtëpia Botuese “Pegi”. Tiranë. ISBN 978-99956-01-41-6, fq 177-213
8	The legislative process. Internal organization of the Assembly. Legislative process of the Assembly. Activity of the Assembly in the field of political leadership and control. Prof. Luan Omari dhe Prof. Dr. Aurela Anastasi. (2017). “E drejta Kushtetuese”, Ribotim i përditësuar. Shtëpia Botuese “Pegi”. Tiranë. ISBN 978-99956-01-41-6, fq 213-242
9	Midterm Exam
10	The electoral system; the referendum. The meaning of the referendum in the democratic system. The types of referendum according to the Albanian Constitution. Constitutional control of the referendum. Prof. Luan Omari dhe Prof. Dr. Aurela Anastasi. (2017). “E drejta Kushtetuese”, Ribotim i përditësuar. Shtëpia Botuese “Pegi”. Tiranë. ISBN 978-99956-01-41-6, fq 242-272
11	The function of the President; The role and legal position of the President. The presidential election and duration of term. The competencies of the President of the Republic. The Council of Ministers. The role and functions of the Council of Ministers in the Albanian constitutional system. The organization and functioning of the Council of Ministers. Acts of the Council of Ministers. Duration of the mandate of the Council of Ministers. Responsibility of the Government and its member. Prof. Luan Omari dhe Prof. Dr. Aurela Anastasi. (2017). “E drejta Kushtetuese”, Ribotim i përditësuar. Shtëpia Botuese “Pegi”. Tiranë. ISBN 978-99956-01-41-6, fq 272-307
12	The local government. Local government in accordance with international standards Organization of local government. Local autonomy. Normative autonomy. Financial Autonomy. Jurisprudence of the Constitutional Court in the field of local autonomy. Prof. Luan Omari dhe Prof. Dr. Aurela Anastasi. (2017). “E drejta Kushtetuese”, Ribotim i përditësuar. Shtëpia Botuese “Pegi”. Tiranë. ISBN 978-99956-01-41-6, fq 307-341
13	The Judiciary power. Judicial power in the division and balance between powers. Judicial function. Organization of the Judiciary system. High Court, Judgment in the High Court. Principles of functioning of the judiciary system. Status of the judge. The High Judicial Council. The Prosecution Office. Prof. Luan Omari dhe Prof. Dr. Aurela Anastasi. (2017). “E drejta Kushtetuese”, Ribotim i përditësuar. Shtëpia Botuese “Pegi”. Tiranë. ISBN 978-99956-01-41-6, fq 341-383
14	The Constitutional process. The organization of constitutional justice. Competencies of the Constitutional Court. Prof. Luan Omari dhe Prof. Dr. Aurela Anastasi. (2017). “E drejta Kushtetuese”, Ribotim i përditësuar. Shtëpia Botuese “Pegi”. Tiranë. ISBN 978-99956-01-41-6, fq 383-421

Prerequisite(s):	No
Textbook(s):	1- Prof. Luan Omari dhe Prof. Dr. Aurela Anastasi. (2017). “E drejta Kushtetuese”, Ribotim i përditësuar. Shtëpia Botuese “Pegi”. Tiranë. ISBN 978-99956-01-41-6 2- Lectures prepared by the professor 3- Kushtetuta e Republikës së Shqipërisë 4- Konventa Europiane për Mbrojtjen e të Drejtave të Njeriut 5- Prof. Dr. Xhezair Zaganjori Prof. Dr. Aurela Anastasi Dr. Eralda (Methasani) Çani (2011). Shteti i së Drejtës në Kushtetutën e Republikës së Shqipërisë. Shtëpia botuese “Adelprint”. 6- Vendime të Gjykatës Kushtetuese të Republikës së Shqipërisë
Additional Literature:	Aurela Anastasi, “Historia e të Drejtës Kushtetuese në Shqipëri, 1912-1939”, Shtëpia botuese “Pegi”, Tiranë, 2007. Michel Rosenfeld and András Sajó. (2012). The Oxford Handbook of Comparative Constitutional Law (For the projects) DOI: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199578610.013.0001. European Court of Human Rights. (2021). Guide on Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Right to life. Vienna Convention on the Law of treaties. Xhezair Zaganjori. (2000). Demokracia dhe Shteti i së Drejtës. Shtëpia botuese “Luarasi”. Tirane. Jurisprudenca e Gjykatës Europiane të të Drejtave të Njeriut. Karta Europiane mbi Vet-Qeverisjen Vendore. Luan Omari. (2000). Sistemi Parlamentar. Botimet Elena Gjika, Tiranë. Kristaq Traja. (2000). Drejtësia Kushtetuese. Luarasi, Tiranë. Paketa e ligjeve të reformës në drejtësi, 2018, Botim i Qendrës së Publikimeve Zyrtare.
Laboratory Work:	No
Computer Usage:	Yes
Others:	No

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1	Define well the main constitutional principles in Albanian law, including the ways of their implementation.
2	Identify the most important institutes of constitutional law.
3	Demonstrate a solid understanding of the foundational principles of constitutional law, including but not limited to separation of powers, judicial review, and the protection of individual rights and liberties.
4	Apply constitutional principles to analyze and resolve legal issues and hypothetical scenarios, demonstrating their ability to identify relevant constitutional provisions and apply them to specific factual situations.
5	Demonstrate critical thinking skills by analyzing and evaluating constitutional doctrines, court decisions, and legal arguments, and by engaging in thoughtful discussions and debates on constitutional issues.

COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES (Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)

No	Program Competencies	Cont.
Bachelor in Political Science and International Relations (3 years) Program
1	Having and using advanced knowledge and comprehension supported by textbooks including actual knowledge in political sciences and international relations literature, materials and the other scientific resources.	5
2	Analyzing data, ideas and concepts of current political issues and international relations, determining complex events and topics, making discussions and developing new suggestions in accordance with researches.	5
3	Having knowledge and thought about actual topics and problems together with their historical, social and cultural aspects.	5
4	Introducing those who are interested in politics and international events with the topics of Political Science and IR and teaching clearly the problems and the types of solutions.	5
5	Improving skills of working together with the main social science disciplines and other disciplines which are related to Political Science and International Relations.	4
6	Improving critical thinking and skills in making research independently.	5
7	Developing solutions about the problems and conflicts which are common in national and international arena.	5
8	Improving skills for leadership and research and analyze capacity of those who is responsible with national and international ones.	4
9	Knowing any foreign language enough to communicate with colleagues and understand actual researches and articles.	5
10	Gaining IT skills to use computer and technology) in order to reach actual knowledge.	3
11	Gaining skills to follow societal, scientific and ethic values during collecting, interpreting, conducting of data related to social and political developments.	4
12	Having consciousness about human rights and environment.	1
13	Gaining the skills to follow actual developments and pursue long-life learning.	4

COURSE EVALUATION METHOD

Method	Quantity	Percentage
Midterm Exam(s)	1	40
Project	1	20
Final Exam	1	40
	Total Percent:	100%

ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)

Activities	Quantity	Duration(Hours)	Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours)	16	3	48
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice)	14	3	42
Mid-terms	1	12	12
Assignments	1	5	5
Final examination	1	18	18
Other			0
Total Work Load:			125
Total Work Load/25(h):			5
ECTS Credit of the Course:			5

CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER

Nga studenti pritet pjesëmarrje aktive, angazhim gjatë orëve të mësimit dhe diskutime lidhur me tematikat përkatëse. Studenti do të nxitet që të angazhohet në zgjidhje të kazuseve të lidhura me fushën e studimit.