030558 KU Introduction to Formal Logic in Legal Argumentation - Comparative Case Studies (2017S)

This course introduces the use of formal logic for the analysis of legal arguments as developed by several European partner universities within the Erasmus Intensive Programme LAWGIC (i.a. European University Institute Florence, University of Bologna, the European Academy of Legal Theory) and including the so-called 'logocratic method' by Professor Scott Brewer (Harvard Law School). It aims at providing the analytical tools for students to critically evaluate legal arguments in all fields of law regardless of a specific jurisdiction.

The first part of the course will be input from the lecturers on the so-called 'logocratic method' along with reading assignments and exercises developing the necessary basic knowledge and skills for the subsequent second part. During the latter part students are required to prepare, present, and discuss comparative group presentations: In a blended learning environment they 1. apply national and international legal research tools, databases and search engines in order to 2. apply the logocratic method on individual cases from various jurisdictions.

Accordingly, students will learn to identify the specific logical mode of legal arguments, to critically reflect on their use and their strength in a comparative way across various national and international legal orders and legal cultures, to use various national and international online research tools for comparative law purposes, and to participate in an international blended learning environment.