Constitutionalism in Asia

Series Editors: Kevin YL Tan and Li-ann Thio (both of National University of Singapore)


Asian constitutionalism is one of the most diverse, rapidly developing and challenging subjects of contemporary legal study. The continent is immensely diverse in its political ideology, religion, culture, language, economic development and colonial history. It has produced a great multitude of constitutional traditions, from authoritarian regimes to mixed communitarian and liberal constitutional models, and from regimes involving the military and monarchy to secular and theocratic constitutions. At the same time, its experience with courts and constitutions spans the gamut from rights-based to dialogical and good governance approaches, particularly where good government is sought through political process and public avenues rather than through the courts. With respect to judicial review and human rights, Asia provides a rich resource in examining how universal standards and local particularities interact. This series seeks to build on the growing academic interest in Asian constitutionalism by interrogating the normative, historical, empirical and conceptual dimensions of constitutionalism, through the lens of the Asian experience.  It is expansive in scope and coverage and includes comparative studies between two or more Asian countries; comparisons between Asian and non-Asian jurisdictions; and critical single jurisdiction case studies. The series provides an excellent resource for scholars and students working in the field of Asian legal and constitutional studies, and comparative constitutional law more generally.