Trials of the state : law and the decline of politics
Sumption, Jonathan2019
Books, Manuscripts
In the past few decades, legislatures throughout the world have suffered from gridlock. In democracies, laws and policies are just as soon unpicked as made. It seems that Congress and Parliaments cannot forge progress or consensus. Moreover, courts often overturn decisions made by elected representatives. In the absence of effective politicians, many turn to the courts to solve political and moral questions. Rulings from the Supreme Courts in the United States and United Kingdom, or the European court in Strasbourg may seem to end the debate but the division and debate does not subside. In fact, the absence of democratic accountability leads to radicalisation. Judicial overreach cannot make up for the shortcomings of politicians. This is especially acute in the field of human rights.
Trials of the state : law and the decline of politics / Jonathan Sumption.
Sumption, Jonathan, author
London : Profile Books, 2019.
xi, 112 pages ; 21 cm
"This book is based on the BBC Reith Lectures 2019, first broadcast on BBC Radio 4"--Title page verso.
9781788163729 (hbk)
340.115
K3367
340.115
English
2533877