Constitutional Review in Europe : A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Introduction Introductory Definitions: Constitutional Interpretation and Constitutional Review Background: The Need for a Perspective Combining National and European Constitutional Law Objectives Method Terminology Structure Chapter 1 The Role of Non-Judicial Actors in Upholding the Constitution I. Introduction II. Councils of State and Chancellors of Justice III. Parliament and its Committees IV. Heads of State V. The People VI. Concluding Remarks Chapter 2 The Rise of Constitutional Adjudication I. Introduction II. The Notion of 'Constitutional Jurisdiction' III. Exploring the Reasons behind the Rise of Constitutional Adjudication IV. Bucking the Trend? A Closer Look at the Approaches of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom V. Concluding Remarks and Some Brief Reflections on the Two European Courts Chapter 3 Purposes of Constitutional Adjudication and Access to Constitutional Courts I. Introduction II. The Institutional Design of Constitutional Adjudication III. Four Purposes that May be Served by Constitutional Adjudication IV. Final Comparative Remarks and Reflections on the Court of Justice Chapter 4 The Constitutional Bench I. Introduction II. Selection and Appointment Procedures III. Number of Judges and Eligibility Criteria IV. Tenure of Judicial Appointments and Termination Thereof V. Final Comparative Remarks and Reflections on the Court of Justice Chapter 5 Identifying the Sources of Standards for Constitutional Review I. Introduction II. Belgium: Cour constitutionnelle III. Czech Republic: Ustavni Soud IV. Germany: Bundesverfassungsgericht V. France: Conseil constitutionnel VI. Hungary: Alkotmanybirosag VII. Italy: Corte costituzionale VIII. Poland: Trybunal Konstytucyjny IX. Spain: Tribunal Constitucional X. The Netherlands: Raad van State XI. United Kingdom: House of Lords Constitution Committee XII. Finland: Perustuslakivaliokunta XIII. European Union: Court of Justice XIV. Comparative Remarks Chapter 6 Testing and Remedying Unconstitutionality I. Introduction II. Deference Rhetoric III. Theory of the Living Law IV. Constitution-Conform Interpretation V. Types of Judgment and their Effects VI. Concluding Remarks Chapter 7 Interplay between Constitutional Courts and Other Actors I. Introduction II. Interactions between Constitutional Courts and (Constitutional) Legislatures III. Interactions between Constitutional Courts and the Ordinary Courts IV. Interactions among European Constitutional Courts V. Interactions between Constitutional Courts and the Court of Justice VI. Interactions between National Highest and Constitutional Courts and the European Court of Human Rights VII. Concluding Remarks