Secession and the Prevalence of Militant Constitutionalism Worldwide

The prevalent approach suggests that constitutions are silent about secession and may even implicitly allow it. But an examination of world constitutions reveals that the overwhelming majority of countries vigorously protect territorial integrity. This article explains how democracies have been able to conceal their fight against secessionists, by creating a large gap between “the law...

Panel 170, WEDNESDAY JUNE 27 2018 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

Bills of Rights With Strings Attached – Protecting Death Penalty, Slavery, Discriminatory Religious Practice and the Past from Judicial Review

Some constitutions use savings clauses to shield from judicial review laws that have been in force prior to their adoption, thus, fostering a unique constitutional dialogue. Countries have used such provisions to shield discriminatory religious and gender practices, the death penalty, and even slavery. This puzzling phenomenon should have spurred discussion, yet there is no...

Panel 58, TUESDAY JUNE 26 2018 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM