Module II — ICCAL and Latin American Constitutionalism

Roberto Gargarella traces the evolution of constitutionalism in Latin America, from independence constitutions through the twentieth century, focusing on how political change, social struggles, and comparative influences shaped the region’s legal order.

This class addresses the main historical and theoretical events in the development and construction of Latin American constitutionalism, which dates back to, at least, two centuries ago.

Prof. Roberto Gargarella.

YouTube: Cátedra “El nuevo constitucionalismo latinoamericano” con Roberto Gargarella

Pablo Saavedra examines how the Inter-American human rights system reshapes domestic public law, creating a shared field across the region. The lecture discusses how jurisprudence travels from the Inter-American Court into national constitutions and judicial practice.

This class deals with the interaction between Latin American constitutional courts and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

Prof. Pablo Saavedra

Miriam Henríquez introduces the doctrine of conventionality control, requiring national judges to harmonize domestic law with the Inter-American Convention and Court rulings. The session explains its foundations, application, and impact on constitutional practice.

This class examines the concept of Conventionality Control, with special emphasis on its use in the inter-American system to dismiss rules that are contrary to the American Convention on Human Rights.

Prof. Miriam Henríquez

YouTube: Control de Convencionalidad y Jurisprudencia de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos

Eduardo Ferrer MacGregor deepens the analysis of conventionality control as a cornerstone of ICCAL. He shows how it promotes dialogue between national and international courts, strengthening constitutional democracy and human rights enforcement.

This class examines the use of the instrument of Conventionality Control as a domestic mechanism to generate dialogue, inclusion, and normative pluralism in constitutional matters in Latin America.

Prof. Eduardo Ferrer MacGregor

Jorge Roa Roa highlights the functions of constitutional courts in consolidating transformative constitutionalism. His lecture emphasizes how constitutional justice fosters social change, protects democracy, and acts as a guarantor of human rights.

This class analyzes the impact of transformative constitutionalism on the type, role, and design of justice systems in Latin America.

Prof. Jorge Ernesto Roa

YouTube: FORUM: Conferencia de Jorge Ernesto Roa Roa

Viviana Krsticevic examines how NGOs and civil society actors shape constitutional change. The session explores their impact through strategic litigation, advocacy, and transnational networks that advance human rights and democratic reforms.

Latin America has historically been a challenging scenario for NGO activities due to the various risks involved. However, as will be discussed in this lecture, NGOs have played a fundamental role in the social transformation of the continent towards a more effective protection of human rights.

Prof: Viviana Krsticevic

YouTube: ICCAL, sociedad civil y el movimiento de los derechos humanos