Class General Principles of Law

The course unit Introduction to Law aims to familiarize students with the fundamental concepts, principles, and institutions of law, providing a solid foundation for understanding the legal system. It seeks to develop students? ability to analyze and interpret legal norms, as well as their awareness of the social function of law and its role in regulating social, political, and economic relations. This course also enables students to understand the relationship between law, the state, and society, laying the groundwork for the study of more specialized branches of law, particularly in the European and international contexts.

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1. Concept, functions, and purposes of law. 2. Branches of law: public, private, domestic, European, and international. 3. Sources of law and hierarchy of legal norms. 4. Legal norm: structure, validity, effectiveness, and interpretation. 5. Legal system: organization and the relationship between national, European, and international law. 6. Subjects of law: natural and legal persons, legal personality, and capacity. 7. Key national, European, and international institutions. 8. Law in international relations and European integration.

The methodology combines theoretical lectures with student-centered activities, such as collaborative resolution of practical cases, simulations, and debates on current legal issues. It also includes Problem-Based Learning (PBL) strategies, fostering autonomy and critical thinking, with the use of practical examples, digital resources, and legal documents to bring learning closer to contemporary reality.

Manuais de estudo:  - Ribeiro, Manuel de Almeida (2025). Introdução ao Direito para as Ciências Sociais. 3ª Edição. Coimbra: Almedina  - Silva, Germano Marques (2015). Introdução ao Direito. 5ª edição. Lisboa: Universidade Católica Editora  Legislação de suporte :  - Constituição da República Portuguesa  - Código Civil