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| DROI8003-1 | The Law of Nationality : European and International Perspectives
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| Duration : | 15h Th |
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| Credits/ECTS : |
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| Holder(s) : | Patrick Wautelet |
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| Language : | English language |
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| Course contents : | The course is meant as an introduction to the various aspects of the law of nationality. Although based in substance on the study of the Code of Belgian Nationality, the course will in effect seek to understand nationality by looking at the issue in a broader context.
Among the themes which will be studied, we will start with the evolution of the main rules relating to acquisition of the nationality under the influence of demographic changes, such as the increased migration to continental European countries. The influence of general principles such as the non-discrimination will also be studied. Likewise, we will look other broader themes, such as the influence of the European unification on the nationality of Member States, the evolving attitude of States towards dual nationalities or the issue of fraud in nationality matters.
When reviewing these general themes, the law of Belgian nationality will be used as background material. Belgian law will therefore not be studied in all its details but will rather serve as raw material. Where possible, a comparison will be made with other legislations to point out to general trends.
During the course the focus will be not so much on the technical legal rules but rather on the general principles and policy questions which are inevitably raised by nationality law issues. Likewise, the course will also focus on the numerous links existing between the law of nationality and other legal disciplines. |
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| Course objective : | The objective is twofold : on the one hand give students a basic overview of the main rules of (Belgian) nationality law, but also and mainly shed some light on the main concepts and topical questions in the field studied, in particular by outlining recent evolutions and current trends. |
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| Prerequisites : | Students should at least have a basic command of the English language, preferrably in a legal context. No prior knowlegde of Belgian law is required. |
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| Organization : | The course will be taught in lecture style, in English. Students will, however, be invited to prepare the lectures and read the cases assigned for the next lecture, especially rulings of the ECJ. Students may be required to participate actively in the discussion of these rulings during class meetings.
Preparation is strongly recommended, especially if the student's command of the English language is limited. |
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| Written notes : | The instructor will make available a collection of materials (texts of international conventions and Belgian statutory materials, but also a collection of cases, both from Belgian and foreign courts). The instructor will make available slides summarizing the main points outlined for each theme addressed during the class. |
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| Assessment : | Students will be required to take part in an oral exam. They will be asked to solve one or several practical case. Students can use primary materials (statutory material, international treaties) to prepare and solve the exam. After a period of preparation of around 20 min, the student will be asked to present its answers to the examinator. The exam will be conducted in English. |
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| Contacts : | Questions and observations may be sent to patrick.wautelet@ulg.ac.be |
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