Proportionality

Aharon Barak analyses the scope of constitutional rights, the conflicts between them and the limitations imposed on them by law.

Having identified proportionality as the main tool for limiting constitutional rights, Aharon Barak explores its components and discusses its relationship with reasonableness. He goes on to analyse the concept of deference and to consider the main arguments against the use of proportionality.Having identified proportionality as the main tool for limiting constitutional rights, Aharon Barak explores its four components (proper purpose, rational connection, necessity and proportionality stricto sensu) and discusses the relationships between proportionality and reasonableness and between courts and legislation. He goes on to analyse the concept of deference and to consider the main arguments against the use of proportionality (incommensurability and irrationality). Alternatives to proportionality are compared and future developments of proportionality are suggested.