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Constitutional Courts in Comparison: The US Supreme Court and the German Federal Constitutional Court
by Ralf Rogowski Thomas GawronConstitutional litigation in general attracts two distinct types of conflict: disputes of a highly politicized or culturally controversial nature and requests from citizens claiming a violation of a fundamental constitutional right. The side-by-side comparison between the U.S. Supreme Court and the German Federal Constitutional Court provides a novel socio-legal approach in studying constitutional litigation, focusing on conditions of mobilisation, decision-making and implementation. This updated and revised second edition includes a number of new contributions on the political status of the courts in their democratic political cultures.
Constitutional Courts in the German States: History, Structure, and Functions (Contributions to Political Science)
by Werner ReutterThe book takes stock on constitutional adjudication in the German states. It includes surveys on the Constitutional Court in Berlin, the origins and development of state constitutional courts in Germany, their status and mode of operation, their justices, and the role these courts play at the subnational level in Germany.
Constitutional Culture, Independence, and Rights: Insights from Quebec, Scotland, and Catalonia
by Helen Hall Javier Garcia OlivaIn Constitutional Culture, Independence, and Rights, Javier García Oliva and Helen Hall coin the term "constitutional culture" to encapsulate the collective rules and expectations that govern the collective life within a jurisdiction. Significantly, these shared norms have both legal and social elements, including matters as diverse as standards of parenting, the modus operandi of police officers, and taboos around sexuality. Using Quebec, Scotland, and Catalonia as case studies, the book delves into what these constitutional battles mean for the rights, identity, and needs of everyday people, and it powerfully demonstrates why the hypothetical future independence of these regions would have far-reaching practical consequences, beyond the realm of political structures and academic theory. The book does not present a magic bullet to resolve debates around independence – this is not its purpose, and the text in fact demonstrates why there is no objectively optimal approach in any or all contexts. Instead, it seeks to shed light on aspects of these situations often overlooked in discussions around the fate of nations, and it addresses what the consequences of constitutional paradigm shifts might be for individuals. Constitutional culture is a complex web of interconnected understandings and behaviours, and the vibrations from shaking or cutting a fundamental strand will be felt throughout the structure.
Constitutional Deliberation in Congress: The Impact of Judicial Review in a Separated System
by J. Mitchell PickerillIn Constitutional Deliberation in Congress J. Mitchell Pickerill analyzes the impact of the Supreme Court's constitutional decisions on Congressional debates and statutory language. Based on a thorough examination of how Congress responds to key Court rulings and strategizes in anticipation of them, Pickerill argues that judicial review--or the possibility of it--encourages Congressional attention to constitutional issues. Revealing critical aspects of how laws are made, revised, and refined within the separated system of government of the United States, he makes an important contribution to "constitutionalism outside the courts" debates. Pickerill combines legislative histories, extensive empirical findings, and interviews with current and former members of Congress, congressional staff, and others. He examines data related to all of the federal legislation struck down by the Supreme Court from the beginning of the Warren Court in 1953 through the 1996-97 term of the Rehnquist Court. By looking at the legislative histories of Congressional acts that invoked the Commerce Clause and presented Tenth Amendment conflicts--such as the Child Labor Act (1916), the Civil Rights Act (1965), the Gun-Free School Zones Act (1990), and the Brady Bill (1994)--Pickerill illuminates how Congressional deliberation over newly proposed legislation is shaped by the possibility of judicial review. The Court's invalidation of the Gun-Free School Zones Act in its 1995 ruling United States v. Lopez signaled an increased judicial activism regarding issues of federalism. Pickerill examines that case and compares congressional debate over constitutional issues in key pieces of legislation that preceded and followed it: the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 and the Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 1997. He shows that Congressional attention to federalism increased in the 1990s along with the Court's greater scrutiny.
Constitutional Democracy and Islam: The Legal Status of Muslims in Italy (ICLARS Series on Law and Religion)
by Francesco AlicinoThis book outlines the legal status of Muslims in Italy. In particular, it highlights that, when it comes to Islam, the Italian legal system exacerbates the dilemma of contemporary constitutional democracies, increasingly caught between the principle of equality and the right to have rights, which implies the respect of diversity. It provides readers with a deep understanding of how domestic and external socio-political factors may muddle the interpretation of Italy’s constitutional provisions, starting with those relating to state secularism and religious freedom. It is argued that today, as never before, these provisions are torn between the principle of equality and the right to be different. This situation has been exacerbated by incessant states of emergency, from immigration to religion-inspired terrorism, in light of which the presence of Islam in the peninsula has been highly politicized. Italy’s experience on the legal status of Muslims provides an interesting case study and, as such, a valuable source of empirical information for a functioning and pluralistic constitutional democracy, especially when dealing with conditions of fear and insecurity. The book will be of interest to researchers, academics, and policy-makers working in the areas of law and religion, constitutional law, comparative law, and human rights.
Constitutional Democracy in Africa: A Comparative Analysis of Sub-Saharan Commonwealth Countries
by Adekunle OsibogunThis book examines the development of constitutional democracy in Commonwealth Sub-Saharan African countries. It focuses specifically on the constitutional systems of different countries and their effectiveness in curbing excesses in the exercise of government powers and functions. The work highlights a culture of subordination prevalent in the governance structure inherited from the colonial era in Sub-Saharan Africa and identifies weaknesses in the ability of existing constitutional institutions to properly implement the doctrine of separation of powers and systems of checks and balances. The work is divided into three parts. Part I considers the theoretical concept of constitutional democracy and its relevant institutions, while also examining the role of separation of powers in constitutional democracy and the different constitutional systems in Commonwealth Sub-Saharan Africa. Part II focuses on the development of constitutionalism in Commonwealth Sub-Saharan Africa, using certain Commonwealth countries as case studies, and examines the institutional operating framework and features of the organs of government within their constitutional democratic systems. Part III compares the constitutional restraints on government practices existing in the constitutional democratic systems of some Commonwealth Sub-Saharan African countries, and makes a series of detailed recommendations designed to strengthen the operation of separation of powers and systems of checks and balances in constitutional systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. The book will be of interest to academics, researchers and policy-makers working in the area of comparative constitutional law and politics, African history and African studies.
Constitutional Development in China, 1982-2012 (Research Series on the Chinese Dream and China’s Development Path)
by Lin Li Jihong Mo Guoqiang ZhaiThis volume presents an overview of the evolution of the current Chinese Constitution (1982) and the characteristics of constitutional studies since 1978. Readers are introduced to the basic principles of constitutional system in China and gain insights into the real state of Chinese law, allowing them to form their own opinions. It will also aid commercial communications with Chinese legal professionals as well as enterprises. The book covers a number of topics, including the history of constitutional communication between Chinese constitutionalists and the International Association of Constitutional Law since 1981, the most important academic contributions to international conferences concerning constitutional law by Chinese constitutionalists, the main characteristics of the current Chinese Constitution in the field of constitutional studies in China, the key issues of constitutional practice and implementation in China, the challenges of running the fundamental political system of the People’s Representative Congress and the characteristics of rule of law specific to China.
Constitutional Dialogue: Rights, Democracy, Institutions (Cambridge Studies in Constitutional Law #21)
by Grégoire Webber Rosalind Dixon Geoffrey SigaletThe metaphor of 'dialogue' has been put to different descriptive and evaluative uses by constitutional and political theorists studying interactions between institutions concerning rights. It has also featured prominently in the opinions of courts and the rhetoric and deliberations of legislators. This volume brings together many of the world's leading constitutional and political theorists to debate the nature and merits of constitutional dialogues between the judicial, legislative, and executive branches. Constitutional Dialogue explores dialogue's democratic significance, examines its relevance to the functioning and design of constitutional institutions, and covers constitutional dialogues from an international and transnational perspective.
Constitutional Dysfunction on Trial: Congressional Lawsuits and the Separation of Powers
by Jasmine FarrierIn an original assessment of all three branches, Jasmine Farrier reveals a new way in which the American federal system is broken. Turning away from the partisan narratives of everyday politics, Constitutional Dysfunction on Trial diagnoses the deeper and bipartisan nature of imbalance of power that undermines public deliberation and accountability, especially on war powers. By focusing on the lawsuits brought by Congressional members that challenge presidential unilateralism, Farrier provides a new diagnostic lens on the permanent institutional problems that have undermined the separation of powers system in the last five decades, across a diverse array of partisan and policy landscapes.As each chapter demonstrates, member lawsuits are an outlet for frustrated members of both parties who cannot get their House and Senate colleagues to confront overweening presidential action through normal legislative processes. But these lawsuits often backfire – leaving Congress as an institution even more disadvantaged. Jasmine Farrier argues these suits are more symptoms of constitutional dysfunction than the cure. Constitutional Dysfunction on Trial shows federal judges will not and cannot restore the separation of powers system alone. Fifty years of congressional atrophy cannot be reversed in court.
Constitutional Evolution in Central and Eastern Europe: Expansion and Integration in the EU (Studies in Modern Law and Policy)
by Alexander H.E. MorawaThis book examines EU enlargement by studying how domestic constitutional evolution in the new member states contributes to European integration. In contrast to the usual top-down analytical pattern, it reverses the paradigm by looking at constitutional developments and dynamics from the bottom-up, studying how domestic constitutional evolution contributes to European integration. The authors analyze constitutional trends from the perspective of 'new Member States' as policy-makers and not strictly as policy-takers. The issue of conditionality is also explored in a discussion of the extent to which pre-2004 and 2007 conditionality has had lasting effects at the level of constitutionalization of different areas and norms and if so, of what kind. The exploration of Europeanization effects in recent Member States substantiates and demonstrates how enlargement has been an important driving-force for the effective export of EU legal rules in this region. The book utilizes a comparative approach to highlight the merits and obstacles created by the growing diversity in the constitutional rules and patterns of the new Member States. It also contains a section that places the CEE constitutionalizing map in a broader comparative European and global context, establishing links with similar transitional regimes in the continent and elsewhere.
Constitutional Faith
by Sanford LevinsonThis book examines the "constitutional faith" that has, since 1788, been a central component of American "civil religion." By taking seriously the parallel between wholehearted acceptance of the Constitution and religious faith, Sanford Levinson opens up a host of intriguing questions about what it means to be American. While some view the Constitution as the central component of an American religion that serves to unite the social order, Levinson maintains that its sacred role can result in conflict, fragmentation, and even war. To Levinson, the Constitution's value lies in the realm of the discourse it sustains: a uniquely American form of political rhetoric that allows citizens to grapple with every important public issue imaginable. In a new afterword, Levinson looks at the deepening of constitutional worship and attributes the current widespread frustrations with the government to the static nature of the Constitution.
Constitutional Framework of European Labour Law in Italy, France, Germany, Portugal and Spain
by Luís Gonçalves da Silva Sara LeitãoThe challenges that labour law currently faces are well known. The emergence of new forms of work and the growing importance of technology in the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution are important tests of the resilience of this field of law and its function: regulating the labour market. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important to examine the fundamentals of labour law, especially how subordinate labour is addressed in various countries’ constitutions, in order to focus the analysis of the new phenomena affecting labour relations on their fundamental frameworks.In this context, this book puts forward an overarching framework that reflects how the Italian, German, French, Portuguese, and Spanish constitutions view labour in terms of both collective and individual relations – particularly the right to collective bargaining, the right to strikes and lock-outs, job security, and the right to remuneration – without losing sight of each Constitution's historical and political context.The aim of this book is therefore to provide an overview of the labour law frameworks in the constitutions of these legal systems and to show, by means of practical examples, how the law concretely implements them. Accordingly, it provides notes on the legal treatment of the topics analysed, serving as a practical guide for the study of these matters in the respective jurisdictions.This book will be of interest to all students and scholars of labour law looking for an overview of the topics covered in all five jurisdictions.
Constitutional History of Transylvania (Studies in the History of Law and Justice #25)
by Emőd VeressThis book examines the constitutional history of Transylvania, a region of Central Europe that has experienced a compelling series of historical events and been governed by a variety of ancient, medieval, and modern entities, as well as its own peoples, who from time to time have jointly or separately exercised their right to self-governance. The book’s main goal is to provide, for the first time in English, a comprehensive source for those interested in the variety of states, constitutional and public legal orders which have succeeded one another during Transylvania’s tumultuous history. It serves to underline the region’s uniqueness as a space where (for better or worse) several nationalities, multiple religions and varied cultures have had to find a way to get along, under the pressures of external state and constitutional orders. It seeks to show both the positive and the negative solutions found, which advanced or hindered this goal of organised coexistence.
Constitutional History of the UK
by Ann LyonAn appreciation of the development and evolution of the United Kingdom constitution is vital in order to understand the existing nature of the constitution, proposals for reform and the many complex challenges it faces. Ann Lyon presents a vivid overview of fourteen hundred years of English legal history taking us on a rich journey from a feudal society to the fractured Union of the present day. Drawing on key constitutional themes, Constitutional History of the United Kingdom provides insight and context to modern constitutional problems. This second edition has been revised and updated to bring coverage up to the present day, including parliamentary reform; the Scottish referendum on independence and further drives for enhanced devolution; the effect of EU membership on the UK Constitution; and the impact of the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998. Constitutional History of the United Kingdom offers an accessible and highly valuable overview for students with little or no prior knowledge of British history.
Constitutional Identity in a Europe of Multilevel Constitutionalism
by Christian Calliess Schyff Gerhard Van DerThe constitutional identity of the Member States is a topic of increasing importance in understanding the interaction between the EU and its Member States. This is because the EU is enjoined to respect the constitutional identities of its Member States in accordance with Article 4(2) TEU. There is also a trend among Member States to articulate their constitutional identities, in particular in relation to European integration. In this regard, this volume fills a need in scholarship by presenting critical analyses of the constitutional identities of selected Member States. Leading and well-placed experts contribute country studies on a range of states, which are compared using a framework that can be applied to other Member States as well. The analyses and comparison of Member States' constitutional identities take place in the context of the EU's multilevel architecture.
Constitutional Imaginaries: A Theory of European Societal Constitutionalism (Routledge Research in Legal Philosophy)
by Jiří PřibáňThis book offers a social theoretical analysis of imaginaries as constituent social forces of positive law and politics. Constitutional imaginaries invite constitutional and political theorists, philosophers and sociologists to rethink the concept of constitution as the normative legal limitation and control of political power. They show that political constitutions include societal forces impossible to contain by legal norms and political institutions. The constitution of society as one polity defined by the unity of topos-ethnos-nomos, that is the unity of territory, people and their laws, informed the rise of modern nations and nationalisms as much as constitutional democratic statehood and its liberal and republican regimes. However, the imaginary of polity as one nation living on a given territory under the constitutional rule of law is challenged by the process of European integration and its imaginaries informed by transnational legal and societal pluralism, administrative governance, economic performativity and democratically mobilised polity. This book discusses the sociology of imagined communities and the philosophy of modern social imaginaries in the context of transnational European constitutionalism and its recent theories, most notably the theory of societal constitutions. It offers a new approach to the legal constitutions as societal power formations evolving at national, European and global levels. The book will be of interest to scholars and students interested in constitutional and European law theory and philosophy as much as interdisciplinary and socio-legal studies of transnational law and society.
Constitutional Interpretation in Singapore: Theory and Practice (Routledge Law in Asia)
by Jaclyn L NeoAt the heart of constitutional interpretation is the struggle between, on the one hand, fidelity to founding meanings, and, on the other hand, creative interpretation to suit the context and needs of an evolving society. This book considers the recent growth of constitutional cases in Singapore in the last ten years. It examines the underpinnings of Singapore’s constitutional system, explores how Singapore courts have dealt with issues related to rights and power, and sets developments in Singapore in the wider context of new thinking and constitutional developments worldwide. It argues that Singapore is witnessing a shift in legal and political culture as both judges and citizens display an increasing willingness to engage with constitutional ideas and norms.
Constitutional Interpretation: The Basic Questions
by Sotirios A. Barber James E. FlemingRonald Dworkin famously argued that fidelity in interpreting the Constitution as written calls for a fusion of constitutional law and moral philosophy. Barber and Fleming take up that call, arguing for a philosophic approach to constitutional interpretation. In doing so, they systematically critique the competing approaches - textualism, consensualism, originalism, structuralism, doctrinalism, minimalism, and pragmatism - that aim and claim to avoid a philosophic approach. Constitutional Interpretation: The Basic Questions illustrates that these approaches cannot avoid philosophic reflection and choice in interpreting the Constitution. <p><p> Barber and Fleming contend that fidelity in constitutional interpretation requires a fusion of philosophic and other approaches, properly understood. Within such a fusion, interpreters would begin to think of text, consensus, intentions, structures, and doctrines not as alternatives to, but as sites of philosophic reflection about the best understanding of our constitutional commitments. Constitutional Interpretation: The Basic Questions, examines the fundamental inquiries that arise in interpreting constitutional law. In doing so, the authors survey the controversial and intriguing questions that have stirred constitutional debate in the United States for over two centuries, such as: how and for what ends should governmental institutions and powers be arranged; what does the Constitution mean under general circumstances and how should it be interpreted during concrete controversies; and finally how do we decide what our constitution means and who ultimately decides its meaning.
Constitutional Intolerance: The Fashioning of the Other in Europe's Constitutional Repertoires (Comparative Constitutional Law and Policy)
by Mariëtta D. van der TolConstitutional Intolerance offers a deeper reflection on intolerance in politics and society today, explaining why minorities face the contestation of their public visibility, and how the law could protect them. Van der Tol refers to historical practices of toleration, distilling from it the category of 'the other' to the political community, whose presence, representation, and visibility is not self-evident and is often subject to regulation. The book considers 'the other' in the context of modern constitutions, with reference to (ethno)religious, ethnic, and sexual groups. Theoretical chapters engage questions about the time and temporality of otherness, and their ambivalent relationship with (public) space. It offers examples from across the liberal-illiberal divide: France, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Poland. It highlights that vulnerability towards intolerance is inscribed in the structures of the law, and is not merely inherent to either liberalism or illiberalism, as is often inferred.
Constitutional Landmarks: Supreme Court Decisions on Separation of Powers, Federalism, and Economic Rights
by Charles M. Lamb Jacob R. NeiheiselThis book examines leading Supreme Court decisions involving the powers of the Court, the president, and Congress, as well as cases addressing American federalism and Americans’ economic rights. By analyzing both the Court’s opinions and voting patterns from 1791 through 2018, this volume presents an overview of the role of the Supreme Court in the legal and political system of the United States throughout its entire history, regularly relying on Robert McCloskey’s theory of the nation’s three major constitutional eras and the Supreme Court Database in its organizational approach. Over 100 of the Supreme Court's most significant rulings, old and new, are covered and clarified in this volume to provide an objective, reliable, and valuable resource for students, academics, legal professionals, and the general public alike.
Constitutional Law (Aspen Casebook Series)
by Cass R. Sunstein Geoffrey R. Stone Pamela S. Karlan Mark V. Tushnet Louis Michael SeidmanAdhering to the multi-disciplinary and scholarly approach of its predecessors, the eighth edition of Constitutional Law guides students through all facets of constitutional law. Constitutional Law explores traditional constitutional doctrine through the lens of varying critical and social perspectives informed by political theory, philosophy, sociology, ethics, history, and economics. This comprehensive approach paired with carefully edited cases provides instructors with rich material for classroom discussion. Logically organized for a two-semester course, the first part of Constitutional Law tackles issues concerning separation of powers and federalism while the second part addresses all facets of individual rights and liberties. Constitutional Law also provides thoughtfully selected content on the First Amendment to give students a well-rounded understanding of religion and free speech issues. <p><p> Key Features: <p><p> The text’s attention to policy, including discussion of competing critical and social perspectives. <p>A multi-disciplinary approach that draws on political theory, philosophy, sociology, ethics, history, and economics. <p>Thoughtful editing, including both lightly and more tightly-edited cases that balances close textual analysis with comprehensive converge of important opinions and pivotal cases. <p>Streamlined treatment of First Amendment law, so that it efficiently provides the necessary fundamentals in free speech and religious liberties jurisprudence.
Constitutional Law (Aspen Casebook)
by Erwin ChemerinskyBuy a new version of this Connected Casebook and receive access to the online e-book, practice questions from your favorite study aids, and an outline tool on CasebookConnect, the all in one learning solution for law school students. CasebookConnect offers you what you need most to be successful in your law school classes— portability, meaningful feedback, and greater efficiency. A leading text by a prominent scholar, Constitutional Law is known for its concise, yet comprehensive presentation. Professor Chemerinsky’s distinctive approach for the Sixth Edition presents the law solely through case excerpts and his own essays. With the author’s context and background information, the law becomes more readily understood. A flexible organization accommodates a variety of course structures; no chapter assumes that students have read preceding material. New to the Sixth Edition: New cases decided since the Fifth Edition, including those on partisan gerrymandering, the travel ban, state action, freedom of speech, and the religion clauses Significant reorganizations of some of the chapters (including chapters on federal limits on state power and the religion clauses) Professors and students will benefit from: Renowned authorship Concise, yet comprehensive presentation Distinctive approach presents the law solely through case excerpts and author-written essays Straightforward, accessible writing style that provides context and background information for greater understanding Flexible organization—no chapter assumes that students have read the rest Cases and materials have been edited to be as ideologically neutral as possible Teaching materials include: Teacher’s Manual
Constitutional Law (Fourth Edition ) (Aspen Casebook Series)
by Erwin ChemerinskyA leading text by a prominent scholar, Constitutional Law is known for its concise, yet comprehensive presentation. Professor Chemerinsky's distinctive approach presents the law solely through case excerpts and his own essays. With the author s context and background information, the law becomes more readily understood. A flexible organization accommodates a variety of course structures; no chapter assumes that students have read preceding material. The Fourth Edition introduces a streamlined presentation for even greater manageability. Major new cases are reviewed: United States Department of Health and Human Services v. State of Florida (constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act); Arizona v. United States (preemption of Arizona's SB 1070); McDonald v. City of Chicago (application of the Second Amendment to the states); and Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (First Amendment right of corporations to spend money in elections.)
Constitutional Law (John C. Klotter Justince Administration Legal Series)
by Jacqueline R. KanovitzPresents an up-to-date analysis of critical constitutional issues. Special attention is given to issues of greatest concern to criminal justice personnel - detention, arrest, search and seizure, interrogations and confessions, self-incrimination, due process, and right to counsel. Also includes constitutional aspects of criminal and civil liabilities of justice personnel, and constitutional and civil rights in the workplace.