The Rule of Law Academy will bring together 18 law students from around the world (12 international/6 german students) for intensive study in a block seminar. The program introduces students to comparative law methods and engages them in deep study of a common constitutional law issue or topic that is central to the rule of law, encompassing issues of state organization or basic rights. The Rule of Law Academy is administered by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V. in cooperation with respected academic partners: The Washington & Lee University School of Law, Virginia USA (represented by Prof. Russell Miller) and BSP Business and Law School, Berlin Germany (represented by Prof. Dr. Alexander Thiele). The seminar will take place in Berlin during the week 24 February to 3 March 2024.
The program of the Rule of Law Academy will involve intensive reading assignments followed by guided discussions around the seminar table. That reading material will focus first on the theory and method of comparative law and will then feature several sessions considering a selected substantive topic of constitutional law related to the rule of law. The classroom component of the seminar will end with student-led group presentations that call on the students to reflect on the new substantive material they have encountered as well as on their engagement with the different legal systems and legal cultures represented in the program. The seminar’s academic dimension will be reinforced by a visit to the German Bundestag and to the German Federal Constitutional Court.
Who can apply?
Students at German Law Faculties in the later stages of their studies (students from the 5th semester, early-stage doctoral students, legal trainees).
What to include in the application?
Your application should consist of two parts, submitted by email as a single PDF file:
- A letter of interest indicating your interest in comparative constitutional law and your pre-existing expertise in this field (approximately maximum 2 pages).
- A short curriculum vitae, including information on your English language level (maximum 2 pages).
Where to apply?
Please send your applications via email as a single PDF file to Lara Schmidt.
What is the application deadline?
Please apply to the abovementioned email-address until 24 October 2023.
Further procedure: Online application interviews may be conducted after the application deadline. A final decision on participation will be made by approx. 10 November. We look forward to your application and hope to see you in Berlin!
