Belgian law of religions

Teacher(s)

Christians Louis-Léon;

Language

French

Main themes

In order to achieve these aims, the course will
- give priority to a definition of the Belgian juridical regimes of the religious fact
- examine the historical evolution of the cultural contexts and the religious backgrounds of Belgian law together with the various contemporary orientations of this law, its legislative content (particularly articles 9 and 14 of the European Convention of Human Rights) and its administrative practice and judiciary argumentation 
- study the juridical condition, in both private and public law, of the personal convictions and the religious institutions .

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	identify the juridical regimes of the religious traditions and practices with reference to the evolution of Belgian law and on the basis of an analysis of a public regulation of religion adapted to a multidisciplinary study of religions.

Content

After an introduction to Belgian law, the main features of the Belgian legal system of recognized religions and philosophical organizations will be presented and discussed in a first part. A second part is dedicated to the regime of individual freedom of conscience and religion. In a final part, a special question will be dealt with at the students' choice.

Teaching methods

Teaching ex cathedra for introduction - Reverse class for the advancement of students' personal research.
COVID: Face-to-face teaching will be encouraged wherever possible.
Hybrid modalities for online teaching are possible.

Evaluation methods

The assessment will be based on a written assignment of about fifteen pages on a special issue, chosen by the student, in regard to Belgian law or in comparison between his national law and Belgian law.

Other information

A portfolio of readings will be available for the students.

Online resources

See the course moodle website 

Bibliography

CHRISTIANS, L.-L., De POOTER, P., Codex belge Droit & Religions, Bruylant, 2005
CHRISTIANS, L.-L., RIGAUX, M-F., « La liberté de culte », dans M. Verdussen et N. Bonbled (éds.), Les droits constitutionnels en Belgique. Les enseignements jurisprudentiels de la Cour constitutionnelle, du Conseil d'état et de la Cour de cassation, Bruxelles, 2012, pp. 865-897.
CHRISTIANS, L.-L., "Une mise en perspective du concept de culte reconnu en droit belge", in DERENNE, Ch., KWASHIN, J. (coord.), L'Islam en Belgique, Bruxelles, Ed. L. Pire, 1998, pp. 23-41
TORFS, R. and VRIELINK, J, “Belgium”, in: Encyclopedia of Law and Religion, General Editor Gerhard Robbers, BRILL, Online on 04 December 2017 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2405-9749_elr_COM_00000009

Faculty or entity

CISR