search the website http://www.ees-online.org

1. Chapter
Introduction to the Law Module

"The Law Module deals with the general function of law (unit 1) and provides an introduction to the principles of legal order, and within this (beginning with unit 4), the legal systems – with a main focus on constitutional law - of three model countries which were chosen as examples: the Russian Federation, Estonia and the Czech Republic. Later on, the Law of the European Union is presented (unit 10 and 11), and there will be an overview on minority protection in Europe (unit 12). However, before you are introduced to the particularities of the three model countries, it is necessary to illustrate the legal and historical framework within which the legal orders of these countries are embedded. Further, it will be shown how they are interrelated and, possibly to a certain extent, interdependent. A framework of international law and organizations, including European regional international law and organizations, will be given in unit 2. Unit 3 will provide an introduction to the basics of the organization of states.

The three model countries (the Russian Federation, Estonia and the Czech Republic) were selected for closer study, in the case of two of them, in respect to their relationship with and membership in the European Union (the Czech Republic and Estonia have been members of the EU since 2004). Membership in the European Union required the implementation of the so-called European acquis communautaire and in consequence, the democratization of the political system of the country in question. On the other hand, the Russian Federation was chosen for its explicit attitude not to join the EU (thus not being even a potential candidate for membership in the European Union, nor for benefitting from the European Neighbourhood policy), for which reason it developed its own dynamics and thereby serves as another pole of attraction in Europe with its own - at least aspired, but also factual - sphere of influence. Thus, the Russian Federation is a special ‘partner’ of the EU within greater Europe. Further, the Russian Federation is – unlike Estonia and the Czech Republic – a federation, whose specifics can be shown exemplarily.

Juxtaposing these three countries is an interesting way to elucidate the influence EU law has on their respective constitutional development. The comparison with the Russian Federation specifically as a non-member will be of value here. The present module aims to convey a basic knowledge of the function of law, especially the constitutional law of these countries, and therefore cannot treat in depth questions regarding the implementation of legal provisions. Such questions are partly dealt with in the literature recommended for reading as well as in the multimedia components of this module.

In this and the two following units (units 2 and 3), you should gain an overview on law as such, including its sources and fields. In the later units (from unit 4 onwards), this knowledge will be enlarged and focused on the three model countries: the Russian Federation, Estonia and the Czech Republic."

Stephan Heidenhain, based on the units by Alina Christova: Introduction to the Law Module. 1st Chapter of Unit 1 of the Law Module. © East European Studies Online; 2010.

You can find even more information on this EES Online Master Degree Module here: Law.