The Global Debate over Constitutional Property
Lessons for American Takings Jurisprudence
288 pages
|
6 x 9
|
© 2006
Countries around the world are heatedly debating whether property should be a constitutional right. But American lawyers have largely ignored this debate, which is divided into two clear camps: those who believe making property a constitutional right undermines democracy by fostering inequality, and those who believe it provides the security necessary to make democracy possible. In The Global Debate over Constitutional Property, Gregory Alexander recasts this discussion, arguing that both sides overlook a key problem: that constitutional protection, or lack thereof, has little bearing on how a society actually treats property.
A society’s traditions and culture, Alexander argues, have a much greater effect on property rights. Laws must aim, then, to change cultural ideas of property, rather than deem whether one has the right to own it. Ultimately, Alexander builds a strong case for improving American takings law by borrowing features from the laws of other countries—particularly those laws based on the idea that owning property not only confers rights, but also entails responsibilities to society as a whole.
A society’s traditions and culture, Alexander argues, have a much greater effect on property rights. Laws must aim, then, to change cultural ideas of property, rather than deem whether one has the right to own it. Ultimately, Alexander builds a strong case for improving American takings law by borrowing features from the laws of other countries—particularly those laws based on the idea that owning property not only confers rights, but also entails responsibilities to society as a whole.
Michael C. Evans | Law & Politics Book Review
"To say that [Alexander's book] is an important and intreesting work would be a gross understatement. The questions of whether (and how) to grant constitutional status to the right of property, and how courts ought to interpret such provisions, raise core issues in contemporary constitutionalism and political economic development. . . . The breadth and depth of coverage and analysis, combined with its thoughtful and provocative arguments, render this book a highly stimulating and informative read."
For more information, or to order this book, please visit http://www.press.uchicago.edu
Google preview here
Law and Legal Studies: International Law | Law and Society | The Constitution and the Courts
You may purchase this title at these fine bookstores. Outside the USA, see our international sales information.
