Constitutional Preambles

Wim Voermans, Professor of Constitutional and Administrative Law, Leiden Law School, Maarten Stremler, Maastricht University and Paul Cliteur, Professor of Jurisprudence, Leiden Law School, the Netherlands

• Contents: 1. Introduction 2. Preambles: a Stocktaking 3. The Content of Preambles 4. The Language of Preambles 5. The Functions of Preambles 6. Two Prototypes: the US and France 7. Preambles from Other States 8. By Way of Conclusion: the Mystery and End of Preambles Index

‘Preambles are sometimes called the “mission statements” of the Constitution, but are rarely examined in comparative perspective. In this comprehensive study, Voermans, Stremler and Cliteur integrate quantitative and qualitative analysis to explore the world of constitutional preambles across time and space. The result is a fascinating and entertaining survey that will enlighten students of comparative constitutionalism as well as political idiom and discourse. Highly recommended.’