Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Law Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 3 of 3

Full-Text Articles in Law

Assessing The State Of The State Constitutionalism, Jim Rossi Apr 2011

Assessing The State Of The State Constitutionalism, Jim Rossi

Michigan Law Review

Robert Williams's The Law of American State Constitutions is an impressive career accomplishment for one of the leading academic lawyers writing on state constitutions. Given the need for a comprehensive, treatise-like treatment of state constitutions that transcends individual jurisdictions, Williams's book will almost certainly become the go-to treatise for the next generation of state constitutional law practitioners and scholars. The U.S. Constitution has a grip on how the American legal mind approaches issues in American constitutionalism, but an important recurring theme in Williams's work (as well as that of others) is how state constitutions present unique interpretive challenges. More than …


The Law Officers And Departmental Lawyers, Matthew S. R. Palmer Jan 2011

The Law Officers And Departmental Lawyers, Matthew S. R. Palmer

The Hon Justice Matthew Palmer

This short article explains the constitutional relationship between the law officers of the Crown and departmental lawyers in New Zealand.


"Open The Doors And Where Are The People?: Constitutional Dialogue In The Shadow Of The People", Matthew S. R. Palmer Dec 2010

"Open The Doors And Where Are The People?: Constitutional Dialogue In The Shadow Of The People", Matthew S. R. Palmer

The Hon Justice Matthew Palmer

The chapter applies an approach of ‘constitutional realism’ in addressing the question ‘where are the people?’ in New Zealand’s constitution. It outlines the reality of New Zealand’s constitution in terms of the dynamics of its constitutional dialogue and its underlying norms and culture. With that context, it examines the position of ‘the people’ in New Zealand’s constitution: how people in New Zealand can currently engage with and participate in governance. It concludes by noting that the most important manifestation of the people in New Zealand is through democratic representation in Parliament. It emphasises the under-appreciated importance of the New Zealand …