Constitutionalism
Philosophical Foundations

This specially commissioned volume examines the issue of constitutionalism.

Larry Alexander (Edited by)

9780521799997, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 26 February 2001

332 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.9 cm, 0.49 kg

"This useful collection of essays addresses basic problems in constitutional theory and jurisprudence....a useful collection of insightful essays for upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty." Choice

This is the second volume in a sub-series of specially commissioned collaborative volumes on key topics at the heart of contemporary philosophy of law that will be appearing regularly within Cambridge Studies in Philosophy and Law. A distinguished international team of legal theorists examine the issue of constitutionalism and pose such foundational questions as: why have a constitution? How do we know what the constitution of a country really is? How should a constitution be interpreted? Why should one generation feel bound by the constitution of an earlier one? The volume will be of particular importance to those in philosophy, law, political science and international relations interested in what kinds of constitutions should be adopted in countries without them, and involved in debates about constitutional interpretation.

Introduction Lawrence Alexander
1. American constitutionalism Richard Kay
2. Constitutional authorship Frank Michelman
3. What is 'The Constitution'? Michael Perry
4. Legitimacy and interpretation Jed Rubenfeld
5. The domain of constitutional justice Lawrence Sager
6. Precommitment and disagreement Jeremy Waldron
7. On the authority and interpretation of constitutions: preliminaries Joseph Raz.

Subject Areas: Jurisprudence & philosophy of law [LAB], International relations [JPS], Political science & theory [JPA], Philosophy [HP]