GIU0600 - SOCIOLOGIA DEL DIRITTO

courses

ID:

GIU0600

Duration (hours):

35

CFU:

SSD:

FILOSOFIA DEL DIRITTO

Year:

2025

Date/time interval

Primo Semestre (26/09/2025 - 19/12/2025)

Course Objectives

The Sociology of Law course introduces students to a critical and interdisciplinary understanding of legal systems, combining the traditional technical-formal approach with the socio-legal perspective. Recognizing that the classical study of legal norms is no longer sufficient on its own, the course emphasizes the importance of evaluating the real-world effectiveness of laws and their impact on individuals and social institutions. Topics such as human dignity, gender-based violence, end-of-life decisions, and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence illustrate the need for a broader legal perspective. The course aims to equip future jurists with the tools to operate in an increasingly complex and dynamic legal environment, both nationally and internationally. By the end of the course, students will be able to: • Understand key concepts in socio-legal theory and empirical research; • Critically analyze legal norms and institutions beyond a purely doctrinal view; • Communicate legal and sociological insights with clarity and precision; • Develop independent, interdisciplinary, and problem-solving skills; • Participate in a mock trial, applying theoretical knowledge to a practical case.

Course Prerequisites

Knowledge of Constitutional Law and Private Law is required.

Teaching Methods

The course takes place during the first semester and consists of approximately 35 total hours. Supplementary materials and slides will be used throughout the course; these will be discussed during lectures and made available to attending students via the e-learning platform. The teaching activities will include: - theoretical lectures (approximately 8 hours); - practice-oriented lectures (approximately 27 hours), which will involve: - in-depth analysis of specific and current topics; - discussions of case studies and course materials; - seminars and meetings with journalists and professionals from the fields of media and communication (subject to their availability); - preparation and discussion of a mock trial.

Assessment Methods

ATTENDING STUDENTS: The exam will consist of an oral interview covering the topics discussed during the course. It will include both general questions and more specific ones aimed at deepening the analysis of the subjects addressed. The final grade will be expressed on a 30-point scale, with the possibility of honors (cum laude). Assessment will take into account not only the clarity and coherence in presenting the topics, but also the level of active participation during the course and the ability to address practical problems—skills that will be progressively developed and supported during the second part of the course. NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS: The exam will consist of an oral interview covering the entire course syllabus and may also include a thematic essay (further details will be provided on the e-learning platform). The exam will feature both general questions and one or more specific questions, which may lead to further in-depth discussion. The final grade will be expressed on a 30-point scale, with the possibility of honors (cum laude). Assessment criteria will include knowledge of the fundamental topics of the sociology of law, accuracy and quality of the responses, clarity of expression, ability to provide critical analysis and to justify statements and opinions, as well as the appropriate use of technical-legal language, which is essential in any law exam.

In the first part of the course (approximately 8 hours), the main theoretical contributions to the development of the Sociology of Law will be examined, following the framework provided by the course textbook. In the second part (approximately 27 hours), more traditional topics—such as the formation and application of legal norms, the effectiveness of law, legal pluralism, the evolution of fundamental rights, and the relationship between law and mass media—will be revisited in light of current issues. These may include, for instance, the fight against gender-based violence, measures to combat organized crime, privacy protection, consumer rights, and freedom of information and the press. The selection of these sensitive and topical issues may also be discussed and agreed upon with students. Research methods will also be addressed, and meetings with journalists and professionals from the media sector may be organized.

Course Language

Italian

More information

Clarifications or additional information may be requested at the end of class sessions. In any case, students may arrange a meeting with the instructor by sending an email to the following address: cristina.reale@uninsubria.it. Further details about the course will also be provided through the University website and the e-learning platform, accessible via the same site. ERASMUS students are welcome to attend classes in Italian; the exam will consist of a brief oral interview in Italian or English on a research topic of interest to be agreed upon with the Professor, who will support them in sourcing materials in English and will also supervise their research activities during dedicated meetings.