Class European and International Social Law

The subjects studied systematically cover various aspects of European and International Social Law, enabling students to familiarise themselves with the essential topics and to develop a comprehensive understanding of how they fit within the concept of social protection of workers and the relationship with Human Rights, in particular human dignity. International law and European law have effect internally, whether directly, or through transposition into domestic law. They accordingly have a place in the study of Social Law.

Not applicable

1. Introduction (Definitions and methodological foudations) 2. Comparative historical data 3. Evolution in Portugal (Mutual aid, social labor law, continued; the Romano Martinez Code) 4. Dogmatics of social law (Nature, characteristics, principles) 5. Constitutional Social Law (The path to the welfare state, fundamental rights, constitutional principles, semi-programmatic social rights) 6. International Social Law (International conventions, The International Labor Organization) 7. European Social Law (European law, conventions and declarations of rights, fundamental rights and freedoms in European law: summary, derivative social law, social directives, European vectors) 8. Basic Social Law (Personality rights, equality and non-discrimination, social guarantees, accidents at work) 9. Social Security Law (Sources, organisational aspects, basic protection, special institutions)  

The curricular unit will be taught with a balance between theoretical-practical exposition (presentation and discussion of the matters referred to in the syllabus content and application of knowledge acquired) and dialogue with and between students. Classes will include discussion of practical cases. Presentation of student projects is also a fundamental component in the learning process. Students can opt to write an essay on a given subject. A list of suggestions is provided, but students may choose a different subject. The lecturer is available to discuss the choice of topic.

António Menezes Cordeiro, Direito social internacional, europeu e português, Coimbra, 2025, cerca de 600 pp..   Maria do Rosário Palma Ramalho, Direito social da União Europeia, Coimbra, 2009, 246 pp.;   Francisco Liberal Fernandes, O conceito de trabalhador no Direito social comunitário, Coimbra, 2019, 116 pp..   Paulo Ferreira da Cunha, Direitos fundamentais/Fundamentos & direitos sociais, Lisboa, 2014, 431 pp.;   Catarina Santos Botelho, Os direitos sociais em tempos de crise ou revisitar as normas programáticas, Coimbra, 2015, reimp., 2017, 611 pp.;   Cristina Queiroz, Direitos fundamentais sociais/Funções, âmbito, conteúdo, questões interpretativas e problemas de justicialidade, 2.ª ed., Lisboa, 2020, 294 pp.;   Jorge Reis Novais, Direitos sociais/Teoria jurídica dos direitos sociais enquanto direitos fundamentais, 2.ª ed., Lisboa, 2021, 416 pp.;   Joaquim de Sousa Ribeiro, Direitos sociais e vinculação do legislador, Coimbra, 2021, 355 pp..