Rule of Law and Constitutionalism. A dialogue between Manuel Atienza and Francisco Laporta

This paper presents, in the form of dialogue, some reflections on the rule of law and the new paradigm of constitutionalism. According to Francisco Laporta, the rule of law has an impact not only on the functioning of the legal system, but also on one's daily life. This indicates that his posit...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor: Atienza, Manuel
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2008
País:Perú
Institución:Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú
Repositorio:Revistas - Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú
Idioma:español
OAI Identifier:oai:ojs.pkp.sfu.ca:article/3189
Acceso en línea:http://revistas.pucp.edu.pe/index.php/derechopucp/article/view/3189
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Rule of Law
Constitutionalism
Neoconstitutionalism
Theory of Law
Constitution
Legal System
Imperio de la Ley
Constitucionalismo
Neoconstitucionalismo
Teoría del Derecho
Constitución
Sistema Jurídico
Descripción
Sumario:This paper presents, in the form of dialogue, some reflections on the rule of law and the new paradigm of constitutionalism. According to Francisco Laporta, the rule of law has an impact not only on the functioning of the legal system, but also on one's daily life. This indicates that his position on constitutionalism or neo-constitutionalism is not totally contrary, recognizes the contributions of the Constitution, both in theory and in legal practice. However, it is contrary to the current conception of constitutionalism as a paradigm, that is, as a change in the theory of law. It also establishes some of the problems of this new paradigm, for example, the need for a theory of law for each country individually, since the basis of the paradigm is the existence or validity of a Constitution; In addition, this does not contemplate the possibility of the existence of a State without a constitution. Likewise, it states that constitutionalism is more interested in the moral part of the Constitution, than in the legal part of it, which implies that not only a change in the theory, but in the very conception of law. On the other hand, as established by Francisco Laporta, constitutionalism is a set of data seen from another perspective. In effect, it is the advance in the theory of law that allows the Constitution to be analyzed from another angle, and not the other way around. In the same way, it establishes that the differences between the Constitution and the ordinary law are formal and not substantial. These differ in the rigidity and difficulty of reform, and in the higher hierarchy. Finally, he points out that it is fundamental to improve the rationality of both judges and legislators. Both have complex competencies that involve the construction of the legal system, which, as already mentioned, has a direct impact on daily life.