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The Contemporary Indian Legal System Last Updated Date: 24 June 2009 4 Credits, Semester 2 Course Description: While serving as an introductory course to the Indian legal system, this discussion-based Seminar seeks to focus on topical, contemporary legal issues in India. It will focus primarily on the post-Independence legal system in India, and its important institutions of democratic governance. Through a study of the Constitution of India, and by analysing how the Supreme Court of India has interpreted its mandate, the seminar will cover significant public law issues in India. We will seek to follow how the judiciary has come to play a vital role in contemporary Indian polity, while also assessing the performance of other institutions of governance. The seminar will also focus on debates about secularism, reservations (or affirmative action), and emergency powers in India. The latter half of the seminar emphasises developments in India since 1991, when policies of liberalisation heralded massive changes that have in recent years led to claims of India being an "emerging superpower." We will analyse policies of regulation adopted over the last two decades, focusing on particular areas - such as the telecom and IT sectors, and the current debate over Special Economic Zones - to assess concerns expressed by law and development scholars. Though largely focused on constitutional and administrative law issues, the seminar will also focus on private/commercial law as well as personal law issues incidentally, depending on expressed student interest in these areas. At the first class, students will be encouraged to indicate particular areas they would like to have included within the ambit of the course, and all such suggestions will be seriously considered. Metholodology: Classes will usually be conducted as a series of conversations among participants about the readings. For some topics, there will be short ten-minute lectures by way of providing an overview at the start of class. Though focused on India, the seminar will adopt comparative modes of analysis where appropriate, and students taking the course are expected to draw upon insights from their own national systems. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions and on the online forum. Evaluation will be based on: (i) the levels of participation including through in-class presentations of readings and research papers; (ii) Two short written comments on the readings (upto a maximum of 3 pages); and (iii) a longer research paper on a topic to be chosen by the student in consultation with the instructor. Course Convenor: As/P Arun Kumar Thiruvengdam Co-teacher(s): NA (Guest speakers and presenters may be invited for individual sessions) Module Codes: LL4122 / LL5122 / LL6122 Contact Hours: 3-hrs continuous weekly seminar Workload: 3 hours Mode of Assessment: Class Participation/Presentation - 40%; Two short written comments & Research Paper - 60%. Preclusions: Nil Prerequisites: NUS Compulsory Core Law Curriculum or equivalent. Examination Date: 100% Continuous Assessment Click here to go Back |
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