Principles of French Constitutional Law offers a concise and accessible account of the key principles and rules of constitutional law in the French legal system, presenting a much needed up to date overview of this rapidly changing subject.
The textbook explores the five essential pillars that underpin the teaching of constitutional law, namely the institutions, legal history, case law, comparative law, and current affairs and developments. It is split into two core sections: Part I examines the basis of French constitutional law, the theoretical developments about key notions of constitutional law such as the state, the constitution, as well as historical background of French constitutional law. Part II provides students with an understanding of the current Fifth Republic and how constitutional rules are adopted and applied, and how they affect other areas of law and politics. It offers a critical account of the 1958 Constitution’s past, present and future by placing it in its political and socio-historical contexts and critically assessing contemporary developments and constitutional reforms.
Given the growing expansion of this branch of law in the French legal system, this book will be essential reading for anyone studying French Law, Law with French, comparative constitutional law and European legal studies.
Preface. Foreword (Gerard Hogan, Judge of the Supreme Court of Ireland). Part I: Bases of French Constitutional Law 1. Key Notions of French Constitutional Law 2. History of French Constitutional Law Part II: The Fifth Republic 3. Historical and Legal Foundations of the French Constitutional Regime 4. The Institutions of the Fifth Republic 5. Political Parties, Elections and Referendums 6. Constitutional Justice and Rights Protection
Biography
Marie-Luce Paris is Associate Professor in Law at UCD Sutherland School of Law, Dublin. She is the Academic Director of the UCD Centre for Human Rights. She was the Academic Director of the French Law Programmes. Paris is a French constitutional law expert, having studied constitutional law in France, and published internationally about the subject and taught it to common law and international students.
“Comprehensive, illuminating and crystal clear, Principles of French Constitutional Law opens a window into the doctrine, history and theory of one of the world’s most fascinating and influential constitutions.”
—Richard Albert, Professor of World Constitutions and Director of Constitutional Studies, The University of Texas at Austin, US.
“A must-read for anyone interested in French constitutional law and constitutional law in general. This book is an invaluable, pedagogical and up-to-date reference for lawyers and students. An excellent mastery of French constitutional law!”
—Aurélie Duffy-Meunier, Professor of Public Law, Aix Marseille University, France.
