Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description This module aims: - to examine the historical development and current operation of the Constitution and the State structure; - to explore basic concepts of constitutional law such as the separation of powers and the rules of constitutional interpretation; - to investigate the workings of the three organs of State – legislative, executive and judicial – as well as other entities such as the Attorney General; - to consider the decisions of the Irish courts on certain constitutional issues; - to introduce students to the concept of constitutional rights; - to examine certain matters which have been significant and, at times, controversial in the development of Irish constitutional jurisprudence; - to give students an enhanced awareness of the importance of the Constitution in our society and the far-reaching ambit of its application. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. outline the impact of the Constitution on the functioning of the State and the citizens of the State; 2. appraise the importance of Constitutional law in legal disputes and political issues; 3. explain the importance of the language used in the Constitution when subject to judicial interpretation; 4. assess the decisions of the Irish courts on certain constitutional matters, in a broad manner 5. outline and and discuss some of the most significant elements of Irish constitutional law which have emerged in recent time 6. and, solve problems with reference to the provisions of the Constitution, case law, legislation and academic commentary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Introduction to Constitutionalism – the rule of law; the functions of a constitution; comparative analysis of constitutions Constitutional History - The 1922 Constitution and the 1937 Constitution in context Constitutional Interpretation – literal approach, harmonious approach, historical approach, purposive approach, and the theory of natural law; religion as an influence on the interpretation of the Irish Constitution The People, the Nation & the State – the concept of a nation; the independence of the State; the State as a legal person; sovereignty; the languages of the State The Separation of Powers Doctrine – legislature, executive, judiciary; exclusivity of roles; real-life blurring of the lines of separation. The Oireachtas – Article 15 and delegated legislation; composition & privileges; immunity of office; relations between the Dáil and the Seanad. The Courts and the Constitution – guardians of the Constitution; appointment of judges; administration of justice in public; exclusive powers of the courts; exercise of a judicial function; independence of the judiciary Findings of Unconstitutionality – impact of finding of unconstitutionality; CC v [2006] IESC 33 Amendment of the Constitution – the amendment procedure; the Referendum; informing the voters – Irish controversy; challenging the Referendum result; halting the Referendum process; impugning an amendment; analysis of amendments to Irish constitution The President – electing the President; powers of the President; the Council of State; dismissing the President; Bills referred by the President to the Supreme Court (Article 26) External Influences on Irish Constitutional Law – the EU as a new legal order; the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights; the Good Friday Agreement and the Irish Constitution Judicial activism, the Constitution and Democracy The Family and Education Unenumerated rights and socio-economic rights Religion and the Irish Constitution Abortion and the Constitution Equality Article 26 References and the decisions of the Supreme Court | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Resources
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