Key Ideas in Constitutional Law

Hart Publishing, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing, has announced the publication of Key Ideas in Constitutional Law by renowned author David Feldman. This essential new textbook offers a fresh, critical examination of constitutionalism, focusing on how fundamental legal frameworks emerge from and respond to inherent political tension.

Key Ideas in Constitutional Law provides a thorough discussion of how modern constitutions, particularly that of the UK, are products of disagreement and power tussles. The book analyses the enduring tensions concerning both the distribution and application of state powers, illustrating how a constitution must balance the need for stability with the necessity of dynamically adjusting to social, economic, military, and political events.

One of the book's distinctive features is its approach to illuminating these processes. It clearly illustrates how different forms of power are allocated across various levels of government, distributed among institutions at the same level, and animated by core constitutional values such as authority, democracy, rights, and the rule of law. Furthermore, the text broadens the perspective by comparing the UK's constitutional accommodations with those found in other countries, providing a valuable comparative context.

The analysis is structured around crucial concepts, including:

• Power and disagreement as the genesis of constitutional law
• The principles of diffusion and separation of powers among institutions
• The complex relations between the judiciary, executive, and legislature
• The interplay of conventions, rights, clashing values, and constitutionalism

This book will be of interest to those embarking on the study or practice of law, politics, or government, as well as established practitioners, scholars, and general readers seeking a deeper understanding of the forces shaping modern constitutional frameworks.

For more information about Key Ideas in Constitutional Law, including ordering details, please refer to the Bloomsbury website.

For information about publications by Professor Feldman, see his Faculty profile.