Forms of Constitution and Democracy in Legal History (PhD Seminar)

joint PhD Seminar with Prof. Dr. Adam Bosiacki (University of Warsaw)

In 1758 Emer de Vattel published his Le Droit des gens, a fundamental treatise not only for the modern development of international law but also for constitutional law. For Vattel the Constitution is a fundamental text for a State which arises from an act of sovereignty of the nation itself, it determines the way through which the public authority must be exercised. The Constitution of the State decides its perfection, its ability to attain the aims of society. With its enactment, the foundations for the preservation of the State, its security and happiness are laid down (Emer de Vattel, Le Droit des gens, 1758, Book I, chapter III). The aim of the seminar is to read primary sources combined with critical analysis concerning the functions, notions and use of the term “constitution” and "democracy" in modern and contemporary legal history until our days. 

The seminar will be held in English. Each day consists of presentations of student papers and ensuing discussions. The sessions will be introduced by Prof. Dr. Adam Bosiacki and Prof. Dr. Elisabetta Fiocchi.

For questions write to lst.fiocchi@rwi.uzh.ch