 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
| t |
 |
|
 |
|
IACL RESEACH GROUPS In general, the research groups function autonomously of the IACL according to their own working rules and time-tables. Research groups may, however, choose to align their research with the theme of the next World Congress in Mexico City in 2010, and in any event use the World Congress as an opportunity to meet in person. If you are interested in joining one or more of these groups, kindly contact the convenor concerned. If you would like to establish a research group of your own, or if you are interested in finding out more about how these groups operate, kindly contact the IACL Secretary-General, Prof. Theunis Roux, at info@saifac.org.za. 
Constitutions in Context This research group pursues an interdisciplinary approach to the study of (mainly) European constitutions. Constitutional texts are studied not only for their legal meaning, but also from historical, cultural, political and linguistic angles. Constitutions are thus seen in their context as important documents and testimonies, not only of specific times and places, but also of values, mentalities and identities, and, of course, not least as documents of current political and social relevance. The principal methodology is a comparative approach leading to a typology of constitutions based upon their fundamental legal aspects supplemented and illuminated by the above-mentioned historical and cultural aspects. This research project will, apart from its obvious academic importance, also be of more general interest in bridging the gap between academic research and informed public debate. Convenor: Professor Michael Herslund Centre for the Study of Europe, IKK, Copenhagen Business School mh.ikk@cbs.dk www.cbs.dk/cef Cross-Judicial Fertilization This group’s research focuses on the use of foreign case law by constitutional courts. As used here, “constitutional courts” means not only specialised constitutional courts, but also supreme courts with jurisdiction in constitutional matters. The jurisprudence of such courts is analysed with regard both to human rights and institutional problems. The use of international case law is not part of this research group’s area of focus. Convenor: Prof. Tania Groppi University of Siena groppi@unisi.it Prof. Marie-Claire Ponthoreau University of Bordeaux Marie-claire.ponthoreau@wanadoo.fr Democratic Control of State Resources This group is concerned with the role of parliaments in increasing the accountability of the public administration. This topic may be supplemented with one or more subtopics. So far, colleagues from France, Poland, South Africa and the UK have reported their willingness to participate in this group. Other interested parties are kindly requested to address the convenor. Convenor: Mr Jacek Mazur Jacek_Mazur@nik.gov.pl European Constitutional Law The scope of this research group’s work includes:
Convenor: Human Dignity and People’s Sovereignty The purpose of this research group is to study the nature and content of human dignity and people’s sovereignty in world perspective. Convenor: Prof. CHO, Byung-Yoon Professor, Dean, Myongji University, Seoul, Korea bycho@mju.ac.kr Subnational Constitutions in Federal and Quasi-Federal Constitutional States This research group will provide a forum for the analytical and comparative study of existing and developing subnational constitutions and constitution-like documents in component units. Emerging questions include:
Challenging areas of interest also include analysis, comparison and preliminary evaluation of methods of replacing, revising, or amending subnational constitutions; constitutional politics at the subnational level; rights protections beyond those in the federal constitution; and processes of interpreting and enforcing subnational constitutions. The Research Group will encourage, support and make available the newly-developing literature and expertise of scholars and practitioners in subnational constitutional law. The Research Group will act as a clearinghouse for individuals and organizations interested in subnational constitutions and, hopefully, organize meetings to explore mutual interests. Teaching Constitutional Law This research group aims to provide a focus for scholars and teachers interested in the practice of teaching constitutional law. Traditional approaches to law teaching vary significantly along several axes in different jurisdictions and legal traditions: legal education may emphasise doctrine or theory, address graduates or undergraduates, be presented in interactive seminars or as traditional lectures, involve final (oral or written) assessment or multiple interim assessment. There are also inevitable differences in subject matter in constitutional law subjects that emphasise the local national constitution. However, much contemporary legal education is open to influences from other jurisdictions and traditions; and legal education is currently being reconfigured in many jurisdictions. This research group will facilitate interchange and dialogue among scholars and teachers in relation to constitutional law subjects. It will enable:
Convenor:
|
