Local Government

Recommended Prerequisites

Administrative Law  Knowledge.           

Teaching Methods

Continuous assessment, in addition to the lecture method will be used to discuss topics and discussions in class and the presentation of research.      

Learning Outcomes

From the perspective of the syllabus the students should :

a) To know the concept of local authorities and the elements that comprise it , with special focus on the significance of local interest and the current distinction of general interest;

b ) To know the fundamental principles governing the municipal self-government and reflect on the current concept of local autonomy and the balance that must exist between the principle of decentralization and the state unity of action ;

c ) Differentiate functions  of local powers; know the most relevant powers for the pursuit of local public interest.  

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Local authorities ; concept and categories ; Article 236 of the CRP

2. The issue of local interests

3. Fundamental principles: local autonomy , decentralization and subsidiarity

4. Principles of administrative organization

5.Functions: definition of criteria

6.The history and the reform of the Municipal Government

7. The municipality : Concept and functions; municipal bodies

8. Municipal Assembly : composition, operation and competences

9. Town Council: composition and core powers

10. Mayor : Town problematic body; powers

11.Parish: functions and organs ( Parish Assembly , Citizens Plenary voters and parish council ) , core powers

12. The election of the executive parish

13. The inter-municipal entities

14.Delegation  powers: the State at the municipal and inter-municipal entities; municipalities , especially the municipalities  in parishes; transfer of competences, sectoral laws;

15. The local indirect administration.   

Head Lecturer(s)

Fernanda Paula Marques Oliveira

Assessment Methods

Final assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Continuous assessment
Resolution Problems: 20.0%
Research work: 20.0%
Frequency: 60.0%

Bibliography

António Cândido de Oliveira, Direito das Autarquias Locais, Coimbra Editora,   2013;

Alberto Álvaro Garcia, Eliana de Almeida Pinto, João Evangelista Fonseca, Comentários à Lei n º 75/2013, 2018, Rei dos Livros;

  Maria José L. Castanheira Neves, Governo e Administração Local, Coimbra Editora, 2004;

José de Melo Alexandrino, Direito das Autarquias Locais, Tratado de Direito administrativo Especial, vol. IV, Almedina, 2010;

 Pedro Gonçalves, Regime Jurídico da Atividade Empresarial Local, 2012.