University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10

The objective of this module is to provide students with an overview of the fundamental rights protected by the Constitution. It will explore the philosophical and conceptual basis of constitutional rights, the limits of constitutional rights, the role of the judiciary in protecting constitutional rights and the judgments of the superior courts concerning constitutional rights
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Be familiar with the impact of the Constitution on the functioning of the State and the citizens of this State
  2. Understand the importance of the language used in the Constitution when subject to judicial interpretation, and they should be in a position to discuss and assess specific areas of the Constitution and refer to case law, legislation and academic commentary
  3. Understand the dynamics of constitutional reform
  4. Critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of the fundamental rights
  5. Identify areas in need of reform
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (80%)
  • Continuous Assessment (20%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Bunreacht na hÉireann, 1937" by n/a
  2. "Hogan, Whyte, Kenny and Walsh: J.M. Kelly: The Irish Constitution (5th Edition) Bloomsbury Professional, 2018" by n/a
  3. "Michael Forde, Constitutional Law (3rd edn, First Law, October 2013)" by n/a
  4. "Report of the Constitution Review Group (Government Publications 1996)" by n/a
  5. "Oran Doyle, Constitutional Law: Text, Cases and Materials (Clarus Press 2008)." by n/a
  6. "Gerard Hogan and Gerry Whyte, JM Kelly: The Irish Constitution (4th edn, Lexis Nexis Butterworths 2003)." by n/a
The above information outlines module LW117: "Constitutional Law" and is valid from 2019 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.