Advanced Diploma in Electoral Law and Politics

INTRODUCTION

At a time of unprecedented change in our electoral and parliamentary system, which includes new regulations on party funding; gender quotas; election expenses; the creation of the Electoral Commission; and new legislation governing parliamentary inquiries, electoral law has never been more complex or regulated.

An understanding of the law governing the democratic process is of critical importance to all citizens. In Ireland, the interaction between electoral law and politics can have profound implications for how the State is run. This Electoral Law and Politics course will seek to provide participants with insights in respect of relevant legal principles and to provide them with opportunities to hear from leading experts with experience in applying these principles in their engagement with the electoral and political processes and with litigation in this field.

PROGRAMME AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course will provide a comprehensive overview of electoral law in Ireland, with a focus on both constitutional theory and the practical operation of the democratic and electoral process at domestic level.

On completion of the Advanced Diploma, participants should be better able to:

1. Describe key features of Ireland’s electoral system;
2. Explain the impact of the Constitution on Irish democratic processes;
3. Discuss the workings of the Electoral Commission and its functions;
4. Explain key legislative provisions applying to donations and finance;
5. Describe regulatory changes affecting social media and elections;
6. Discuss the case law relating to parliamentary inquiries;
7. Explain rules governing general elections and election counts;
8. Outline the key principles of the separation of powers in the context of parliamentary inquiries.
9. Engage in critical thinking and legal analysis of a range of relevant topics.

Application Deadline: Applications will be open in May/2024. The date is to be confirmed soon.