Regional and Local Law
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims at developing the knowledge of the main notions concerning Regions and Local Authorities within the framework of the Italian decentralized government system.
The course will be divided into two parts: a first part of the course (42 hours) will deal with the constitutional dimension, the organization and the functions of the Regions in the current structure of the Italian regional state. This first part will be borrowed from the course Regional Law (Law degree). The second part of the course (21 hours) will specifically focus on the law of local authorities and, in particular, to their institutional architecture, constitutional autonomy and assigned administrative functions.
At the end of the course, the students will have an in-depth knowledge of the course topics. The students will also acquire a reasoning method suitable for dealing with more specific and complex legal issues.
The course will be divided into two parts: a first part of the course (42 hours) will deal with the constitutional dimension, the organization and the functions of the Regions in the current structure of the Italian regional state. This first part will be borrowed from the course Regional Law (Law degree). The second part of the course (21 hours) will specifically focus on the law of local authorities and, in particular, to their institutional architecture, constitutional autonomy and assigned administrative functions.
At the end of the course, the students will have an in-depth knowledge of the course topics. The students will also acquire a reasoning method suitable for dealing with more specific and complex legal issues.
Expected learning outcomes
· Knowledge and understanding: students shall know the fundamental features of the Italian regional system and of Local Authorities;
· Applying knowledge and understanding: students shall be able to read current events related to the Italian regional system, ongoing case law and pending constitutional reforms;
· Making judgements: students shall acquire a critical approach on regional law issues that will allow students to assess the importance, but also the critical points, of the Italian regional decentralization;
· Communication: students shall be able to express notions and opinions correctly, using the appropriate terminology;
· Lifelong learning skills: students shall acquire good individual study skills.
· Applying knowledge and understanding: students shall be able to read current events related to the Italian regional system, ongoing case law and pending constitutional reforms;
· Making judgements: students shall acquire a critical approach on regional law issues that will allow students to assess the importance, but also the critical points, of the Italian regional decentralization;
· Communication: students shall be able to express notions and opinions correctly, using the appropriate terminology;
· Lifelong learning skills: students shall acquire good individual study skills.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The first part of the course will focus on regional law, with the goal of developing a solid understanding of the constitutional framework, organization, and functions of the Italian Regions. To outline the key features of the current regional structure in Italy, the course will provide a historical overview and examine in detail regional governance, as well as the administrative, legislative, and financial autonomy of the Regions—particularly in light of Constitutional Court case law.
Contemporary and debated issues - such as differentiated autonomy and the limits of the so-called "third mandate" -will also be explored in depth.
The second part of the course will focus on the legal framework governing local authorities, with an in-depth exploration of their institutional structure, and their normative, administrative, and financial autonomy.
Contemporary and debated issues - such as differentiated autonomy and the limits of the so-called "third mandate" -will also be explored in depth.
The second part of the course will focus on the legal framework governing local authorities, with an in-depth exploration of their institutional structure, and their normative, administrative, and financial autonomy.
Prerequisites for admission
To have passed the Constitutional law and Private Law institutions examinations is required.
Teaching methods
In addition to lectures on the topics of the syllabus, the lecturers will propose to the students to carry out in-depth thematic studies or analysis of the relevant case-law, which will be discussed in the classroom.
Teaching Resources
For the first part of the course, students may use one of the following textbooks:
- A. D'Atena, Regional Law, Turin, Giappichelli, latest edition
- P. Caretti, G. Tarli Barbieri, Diritto regionale, Giappichelli, latest edition
For the second part of the course, students may use one of the following textbooks:
- R. Di Maria, C. Napoli, A. Pertici, Diritto delle autonomie locali, Giappichelli, Torino, latest edition (except for Chapter XI)
- A. D'Atena, Regional Law, Turin, Giappichelli, latest edition
- P. Caretti, G. Tarli Barbieri, Diritto regionale, Giappichelli, latest edition
For the second part of the course, students may use one of the following textbooks:
- R. Di Maria, C. Napoli, A. Pertici, Diritto delle autonomie locali, Giappichelli, Torino, latest edition (except for Chapter XI)
Assessment methods and Criteria
Examination method: oral exam.
Evaluation criteria: students shall be able to express notions correctly, to use appropriate terminology and prove reasoning skills. Any work done by students during the course will also contribute to the assessment.
Evaluation criteria: students shall be able to express notions correctly, to use appropriate terminology and prove reasoning skills. Any work done by students during the course will also contribute to the assessment.
IUS/09 - PUBLIC LAW - University credits: 9
Lessons: 63 hours
Professors:
Leone Stefania, Vimercati Benedetta
Professor(s)