Course Description

The footprint of the Rule of Law can be found throughout the world in almost all domestic jurisdictions. However, the Rule of Law is implemented differently across jurisdictions depending on whether a “thin” or “thick” concept of the Rule of Law is applied as well as the goals in introducing the Rule of Law into a society. With these differences, the functions and role of the legal institutions which implement the Rule of Law are also different.

Understanding the concept of the Rule of Law to be a continuum provides the context for studying the impact of globalization on the developmental pathway of the Rule of Law. On the one hand, the forces of globalization and the rise of global institutions and non-state actors contribute to the promotion of Rule of Law principles and establishment of rule-based systems at both international and national levels. On the other hand, new issues emerge posing challenges to the Rule of Law in different localities.

Students from across all the faculties will work together to understand the developmental processes of the Rule of Law in different societies and the multi-faceted relationships between globalization and the Rule of Law.

Course Learning Outcomes

On completing the course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts of the Rule of Law.
2. Describe the evolution of the principle of the Rule of Law in different societies, and, to a minor extent, internationally.
3. Identify the different meanings and goals of the Rule of Law, and the institutions and cultural conditions for realising them.
4. Analyze the role of global institutions and non-state actors in influencing the development of the Rule of Law at national and international levels.

Offer Semester and Day of Teaching

Second semester (Wed)