LAW & RELIGIONS

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This Course critically examines how laws are made by political actors through political procedures and for political reasons based on “elite’s compromises”. Prevailing laws are enacted as a result of alliances between and amongst political forces that invariably determine the influences of law on state behavior. The nature and quality of law is an expression of a given political system. This course provokes debates about our democracy and judicial process, by raising many questions: who should determine what laws are necessary – political leaders, legislature or judges? Could there be limitations on the power of elected representatives? Who can we trust to protect and promote our fundamental civil and political rights? Does our system of governance respond to the expressed preferences of ordinary citizens and voters?