Description: This Handbook brings together contributions from leading scholars of constitutional theory, with backgrounds in law, philosophy and political science. Its sixty chapters not only offer an exceptional survey of the field but also provide a major contribution to it. The book explores three main areas. First, the values upheld by a constitution, including rights, freedom, equality, dignity and well-being. Second, the modalities of a constitutional system, such as the separation of powers, democratic representation and the rule of law. Finally, the institutions through which it operates, both legal and political, including courts, elections, parliaments and international organisations. It also considers the challenges confronting constitutional arrangements from growing inequality, populism, climate change and migration.
Brief description: Jeff King is a Professor of Law at University College London (UCL), and was previously a Fellow and Tutor in Law at Balliol College, Oxford. His other works include Judging Social Rights (Cambridge University Press, 2012). from 2019 to 2021, he was Legal Adviser to the UK House of Lords Constitution Committee.
Review Quotes: 'Having read this remarkable and innovative book, one has a better idea of what constitutional theory is and why it is helpful for everybody who deals with constitutional law in politics, judiciary or academia.' Dieter Grimm, Humboldt University Berlin, Former Justice, Federal Constitutional Court of Germany