Full Description
'[The] scholarship is consistently thorough and lucid, and absolutely reliable' European Public Law
As reviews of the first edition attest, this book gives a unique critical and contextual insight into the Constitution of one the world's most powerful countries. Its first edition was published in 2011, when Dmitrii Medvedev was Russia's President. Since then there was a regime change in 2012 as Vladimir Putin returned to the presidency, and, significantly, dramatic shifts in constitutionality as Russia pursues a 'return to traditional values'.
The book explores the Constitution's evolution over its nearly 30 years' existence, including the significant amendments of 2020. This second edition situates these important changes in the context of Russia's historical and legal development, as Putin continues to dominate the political scene. It also looks at broader constitutional questions on the interrelation between the main State agencies, the role of the courts, human rights and their enforcement.
Contents
Table of Legislation
Table of Conventions, Treaties etc
Documents from the Communist Party of the Soviet Union
1. Introduction
I. Whose Constitutionality?
II. Overview of Russia
III. The Cultural Approach to Law
IV. Conclusion
2. Historical Background to the 1993 Constitution
I. Introduction
II. Before the Empire
III. The Tsar as Emperor
IV. End of Empire and Establishing Soviet Power
V. Perestroika: A Time of Change
VI. The USSR Disintegrates
VII. Russian Developments
VIII. Conclusion
3. Genesis and Overview of the 1993 Constitution of the Russian Federation: The Constitution's Creation and General Schema
I. Introduction
II. The Genesis of the 1993 Constitution
III. Overview of the Contents of the Constitution
IV. Conclusion
4. The President
I. Introduction
II. The First Russian Presidency
III. The Presidency under the 1993 Constitution
IV. Presidential Powers
V. Accountability
VI. Conclusion
5. The Legislature: Legislation But Ineffective Representation?
I. Introduction
II. Establishing a Multi-party Legislature
III. Law-Making by the Federal Assembly
IV. The Federal Assembly's Other Powers
V. Reform Proposals
VI. Conclusion
6. The Government and Other Agencies
I. Introduction
II. Establishing the Government
III. Government Accountability
IV. Regional Government
V. Institutions Supporting Governance
VI. Conclusion
7. Courts and Judges
I. Introduction
II. Russia's Courts
III. Judicial Independence
IV. Conclusion
8. The Treatment of Rights
I. Introduction
II. Establishing Human Rights
III. Russians' Rights
IV. Rights Enforcement
V. Conclusion
9. Conclusion
