Course Description

"Judicialization of Politics: The Expanding Role of Courts in Democratic Societies" is an introductory-level course offered by FedericaX that delves into the fascinating world of judicial power and its increasing influence on political systems. This course explores the growing trend of decision-making rights being transferred from legislative and executive branches to the courts, a phenomenon known as the "judicialization of politics."

What students will learn

• Comprehensive understanding of the judicialization of politics phenomenon
• Analysis of judicial systems and their structure
• The role of judges in the adjudication process
• Recruitment, training, and independence of judges and prosecutors
• Relationships between courts and the political environment
• Different definitions of the judicial role and their political consequences
• Real-world examples of judicialization
• Evaluation of courts' overall role in various political systems
• Future developments and potential reforms in judicial systems

Prerequisites

This course has no specific prerequisites, making it accessible to a wide range of learners. However, a basic understanding of political systems and an interest in law and politics would be beneficial.

Course Coverage

• The concept of judicialization of politics
• Traits and impact of judicial power expansion
• Structure and functions of judicial systems
• The adjudication process and the role of judges
• Recruitment and training of judges and prosecutors
• Judicial independence and its importance
• Court-political environment relationships
• Definitions and political consequences of judicial roles
• Case studies of judicialization in different contexts
• Evaluation of courts' roles in various political systems
• Future trends and potential reforms in judicial systems

Who this course is for

This course is designed for master's (LM) students in political science and law, as well as anyone interested in understanding the transformations of contemporary political systems. It is particularly suitable for:

• Political science students seeking to expand their knowledge of judicial impact on politics
• Law students interested in the broader implications of judicial decisions
• Professionals working in government, legal, or policy-related fields
• Journalists and researchers focusing on political and legal issues
• Individuals curious about the evolving role of courts in democratic societies

Real-world Applications

The knowledge and skills gained from this course have numerous real-world applications:

• Enhanced understanding of political decision-making processes
• Improved ability to analyze and interpret judicial decisions and their impact on society
• Better comprehension of the relationship between different branches of government
• Increased awareness of the role of courts in shaping public policy
• Ability to contribute to discussions on judicial reforms and their potential consequences
• Enhanced critical thinking skills for evaluating political and legal developments
• Improved capacity to navigate the complex interplay between law and politics in professional settings