DDRO 25A72 - Introduction to French Law

Mostly geared towards students with prior legal training outside of France, this course will constitute an introduction to the structure, specificities, and most salient features of the French legal system. The course will start by exploring the main historical events that have impacted France's legal system and culture to this day and the various epochs of French constitutional history. It will then give an overview of France's contemporary political and judicial institutions, before engaging with the substance of French law by delving into some areas of the “public” and “private” branches: administrative law, criminal law, tort law, and contract law. Throughout the semester, students will be encouraged to approach the course from a comparative perspective, comparing the French system to other systems they might be familiar with, therefore developing their critical thinking and cultural awareness. Ultimately, in addition to earning a basic understanding of French institutions and law, students should gain a new perspective on their own legal systems.

Helin KOSE

Séminaire

English

This course is primarily designed for foreign students with a prior legal background, irrespective of the jurisdiction. At a minimum, students enrolling in this course should have followed at least one law course. Students will be expected to have some (basic) knowledge in the areas of constitutional law, torts, contracts, and criminal law in any country.

Spring 2024-2025

Assessment for this course will take into account proactive participation in class discussions (10%), short group presentations where students will present aspects of their own domestic legal systems to compare them with the French system (40%), a final 1-hour exam that will include multiple choice questions and an essay question (50%).