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Constitution Writing, Religion and Democracy

Aslı Ü Bâli editor Hanna Lerner editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:2nd Feb '17

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Constitution Writing, Religion and Democracy cover

This comparative and conceptual analysis of the role played by constitutions in addressing religious conflicts draws on fourteen different countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East in order to explore various approaches taken by constitutional drafters in mitigating tensions over a state's religious identity.What role do and should constitutions play in mitigating intense disagreements over the religious character of a state? And what kind of constitutional solutions might reconcile democracy with the type of religious demands raised in contemporary democratising or democratic states? Tensions over religion-state relations are gaining increasing salience in constitution writing and rewriting around the world. This book explores the challenge of crafting a democratic constitution under conditions of deep disagreement over a state's religious or secular identity. It draws on a broad range of relevant case studies of past and current constitutional debates in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, and offers valuable lessons for societies soon to embark on constitution drafting or amendment processes where religion is an issue of contention.

'This book will be of great value to anyone with an interest in constitutional law, particularly its operation in relation to religion. While firmly rooted in the legal discipline, the studies and editorial commentary also incorporate helpful perspectives from political and social sciences. The often neglected contexts with which the work engages, coupled with the fusion of new insights, make this a welcome addition to the literature in this field, and also signal new pathways that future commentators can fruitfully forage for new perspectives and understanding.' Javier García Oliva, Journal of Church and State

ISBN: 9781107070516

Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 24mm

Weight: 730g

428 pages