Dimensions of Dignity
The Theory and Practice of Modern Constitutional Law

Offers a public law theory that elaborates the idea of human dignity to illuminate and justify innovations in constitutional practice.

Jacob Weinrib (Author)

9781107446243, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 December 2018

315 pages, 1 table
22.8 x 15.1 x 1.6 cm, 0.46 kg

'The author must be applauded for bringing fundamental questions of legal theory to bear on our controversies about constitutionalism and judicial review. His clarity of thought and precision of language combine to make this work a real pleasure to read. In summary, it is a stimulating and accomplished achievement, making a very welcome addition to the Cambridge Studies in Constitutional Law. It is a work of theory that, like all good theory, draws extensively on constitutional practice - especially German and Canadian practice - by way of illustration. That well-judged combination of theory and practice enables the book to make a fine contribution to both legal and constitutional theory - if indeed these disciplines are, on the correct view of the matter, actually distinguishable.' University of Toronto Law Journal

In an age of constitutional revolutions and reforms, theory and practice are moving in opposite directions. As a matter of constitutional practice, human dignity has emerged in jurisdictions around the world as the organizing idea of a groundbreaking paradigm. By reconfiguring constitutional norms, institutional structures and legal doctrines, this paradigm transforms human dignity from a mere moral claim into a legal norm that persons have standing to vindicate. As a matter of constitutional theory, however, human dignity remains an enigmatic idea. Some explicate its meaning in abstraction from constitutional practice, while others confine themselves to less exalted ideas. The result is a chasm that separates constitutional practice from a theory capable of justifying its innovations and guiding its operation. By expounding the connection between human dignity and the constitutional practices that justify themselves in its light, Jacob Weinrib brings the theory and practice of constitutional law back together.

1. Human dignity and public law
Part I. The Normative Dimension: 2. Authority, justice, and public law
3. Public authority and private violence
4. Towards public justice
Part II. The Constitutional Dimension: 5. The modern constitutional state
Part III. The Doctrinal Dimension
6. Constitutional reform
7. The moral structure of proportionality
Conclusion: public law in postwar theory and practice.

Subject Areas: Constitutional & administrative law [LND], Law [L], Political science & theory [JPA], Social & political philosophy [HPS]