Proportionality and Constitutional Culture: 7 (Cambridge Studies in Constitutional Law, Series Number 7) - Softcover

Cohen-Eliya, Moshe

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1107605717 ISBN 13: 9781107605718

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2013

Synopsis

Although the most important constitutional doctrine worldwide, a thorough cultural and historical examination of proportionality has not taken place until now. This comparison of proportionality with its counterpart in American constitutional law - balancing - shows how culture and history can create deep differences in seemingly similar doctrines. Owing to its historical origin in Germany, proportionality carries to this day a pro-rights association, while the opposite is the case for balancing. In addition, European legal and political culture has shaped proportionality as intrinsic to the state's role in realizing shared values, while in the United States a suspicion-based legal and political culture has shaped balancing in more pragmatic and instrumental terms. Although many argue that the USA should converge on proportionality, the book shows that a complex web of cultural associations make it an unlikely prospect.

About this title

Review

'Written in an admirably readable prose, this paperback volume offers a powerful explanation for the grand questions of proportionality. Likewise, it raises thought-provoking concerns about the suitability of proportionality schemes in various legal cultures. These questions and concerns should be equally addressed to the cheerful 'epistemological optimists', the EU lawyers who are destined to keep an enquiring comparative eye on American balancing.' Uladzislau Belavusau, Common Market Law Review

'This is a brief book about a large subject that is admirable in its ambitions.' David Schneiderman, International Journal of Constitutional Law

Book Description

Proportionality is currently the most important constitutional doctrine worldwide, spreading to every democracy apart from the USA. Although widely discussed, it has not been the subject of a thorough cultural and historical examination until now. This book compares proportionality with its counterpart in American constitutional law, balancing.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1107605717
• ISBN 13: 9781107605718
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 184