SPRING 2014

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW- 1
Lecturer(s): Ali Mustafa Hashimzadeh (VISITING)
Credits: 3
Course Areas: LLB-1
Time: 5:00p-6:05p Days: Mondays and Thursdays
Course Outline: This is an elementary/basic class about constitutions of US and UK. What we
have to keep in mind though is that there is no way we can cover the entire intricacies and details/depths
of US and British Constitution in just 3 credit hour class. However, we would cover the fundamentals of
the both the British and US Constitutions, in order to form a more informed/analytical view about both
constitutions. This would include, interalia, brief history of conventions leading The Passing of American
Constitution, Important Characteristics / Salient Features, Human Rights Bill-Civil Liberties, Ratification
of the Constitution, Federalism, Congress, its two Houses Legislative Procedure, Senate and
Effectiveness of its Control, Separation of Powers, President-His election, Powers and checks on him,
Judiciary, Judicial Review, Rigidity-Procedure of amendments. Similarly, for British Constitution we
would cover source and nature of the British Constitution, Separation of Powers, The Rule of Law,
Parliamentary Supremacy, British Constitutional Convention, Royal Prerogatives, British Cabinet, British
Parliament, Privileges of the Parliament, Fundamental Rights and Human rights Act, 1998, Freedom of
Expression, Judiciary, Impact of European Union.

Your Grade: Your course grade will be determined by a closed-book final exam longer answer
questions, which ask you to explain. The exam will count for 90% of your grade. The other 10%
of your grade will be based on class participation and attendance, so come prepared to take part
in class. I will not compromise on attendance. If a student for any reason could not make it to the
class he/she can email me in advance so that I may excuse his/her absence. I want this to be a
class where we can all learn and at the same time be able to enjoy. While I will enforce
attendance to the extent required by the school, your failure to attend and participate will be
your loss. Later on in the semester, I will also guide you how to attempt the question paper and
what the best answers must contain to be able to secure maximum marks.
PS. The Lecturer is a full-time practicing lawyer, but is willing to answer any questions or counsel
students when he is available. The best way to reach your lecturer for Questions/comments is via email at aliajmeri1@gmail.com.