2025 Fall
LEGALST 174 001 - LEC 001
Comparative Constitutional Law: The Case of Israel
Class #:31903
Units: 4
Instruction Mode:
In-Person Instruction
Offered through
Letters & Science Legal Studies
Current Enrollment
Total Open Seats:
19
Enrolled: 9
Waitlisted: 0
Capacity: 28
Waitlist Max: 10
Open Reserved Seats:
2 reserved for Students with 3 or more Terms in Attendance
17 reserved for Legal Studies Majors
Hours & Workload
9 hours of outside work hours per week, and 3 hours of instructor presentation of course materials per week.
Course Catalog Description
This course will provide an introduction to constitutional law using Israel as a case study. Topics include: Constitutionalism and judicial review, state neutrality and self-determination, minority rights, state and religion, Human Rights Law, the concept of “defensive democracy" and ban of non-democratic political parties, legal aspects of the fight on terror, freedom of expression, equality and anti-discrimination, social rights, and constitutional limitations on privatization.
Class Description
Ayelet Blecher-Prigat, Fall 2025 Helen Diller Institute Visiting Professor; Associate Professor and Former Dean, Faculty of Law, Academic College of Law and Science
This course introduces key issues in constitutional law and theory, using a comparative perspective with a focus on the Israeli constitutional system. The course will explore topics such as the principles and controversies surrounding judicial review, the evolution of Israeli constitutionalism, the interpretation and application of fundamental rights like equality, privacy, and freedom of religion. By examining these issues through a comparative perspective, students will develop critical thinking skills and a deeper appreciation for the role of constitutional frameworks in addressing complex societal debates. The course also offers insights into challenges that mirror those faced in the United States, particularly regarding the respective roles of the judiciary, the legislature, and the constitution in resolving divisive issues.
Rules & Requirements
Repeat Rules
Course is not repeatable for credit.
Requirements class fulfills
Meets Historical Studies, L&S Breadth
Meets International Studies, L&S Breadth
Reserved Seats
Reserved Seating For This Term
Current Enrollment
Open Reserved Seats:
2 reserved for Students with 3 or more Terms in Attendance
17 reserved for Legal Studies Majors
Terms in Attendance:
Undergraduate Classifications Information
Textbooks & Materials
See class syllabus or https://calstudentstore.berkeley.edu/textbooks for the most current information.
Guide to Open, Free, & Affordable Course Materials
Associated Sections
None