Global Constitutionalism

Discourse and thought about constitutional norms increasingly transcend national borders and founding documents. Spirited debate has arisen within the United States about whether and how foreign law should be utilized for purposes of construing the U.S. Constitution, but there is no doubt that citations to foreign law increasingly surface in U.S. court decisions. Less attention has been paid, however, to the larger interplay between the constitutional norms of the U.S. and other nations. What role does the U.S. Constitution play in other nations’ interpretations of their own constitutions? To what extent is that role impacted by the perceived willingness, or lack thereof, of the U.S. to look to other nations’ constitutions? What are the constitutional benchmarks for nations constructing new constitutions and how do such nations choose between them in the face of divergence? What can nations learn from one another about common constitutional controversies—such as those surrounding security initiatives as they may impact civil liberties and larger constitutional norms? This Symposium explores these questions, gathering prominent scholars, practitioners, and judges from the U.S. and abroad in order to do so. The unifying theme is the manner in which constitutionalism is developing, and should develop, around the world as viewed from the perspective of the U.S. and other nations with their own proud and distinct constitutional traditions.

Stanford Law School has long played a leading role in the study of both constitutional and international law. Similarly, its alumni, from Sandra Day O’Connor to Warren Christopher, have played leading roles in promoting constitutional norms and commitment to rule of law within a larger international framework. This Symposium builds upon these rich traditions and efforts, with the Stanford Law Review and Stanford Constitutional Law Center combining their expertise and resources in order to bring together key participants in this global conversation. Foremost among the goals of the symposium is to generate scholarship and dialogue that represent international and varied perspectives, with contributors from various different countries.

Video Footage

Video footage of the symposium was captured and is available for download on this site. QuickTime player is required to view video footage; it is available for free download here. Please visit our Schedule page for the video links.

MCLE Credit Available

Lawyers attending the symposium can receive 7 MCLE credits. Events are free to students and members of the community, but practicing attorneys are asked to pay a $25 registration fee.