Multi-Textual Constitutions of the World

Author: Richard Albert
Publisher: Hart Publishing
ISBN: 9781509980697
Published In: October 2026
Format: Hardback
Jurisdiction: U.K. ? Disclaimer:
Countri(es) stated herein are used as reference only

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In this eye-opening study of the world's constitutions, scholars explain the creation, operation, revision, and replacement of multi-textual constitutions-a ubiquitous but woefully understudied constitutional form that is ever-present in many countries of the world but as-yet underappreciated in constitutional studies.

Constitutions are commonly said to be either “written” or “unwritten.” This distinction has long been the cornerstone of constitutional studies. Multi-Textual Constitutions of the World presents an alternative view: all constitutions are simultaneously written and unwritten, consisting of unwritten norms, practices, and principles on the one hand, and of written rules on the other.

Given that all constitutions consist of both written and unwritten elements, the conventional distinction between “written” and “unwritten” constitutions should be discarded once and for all because it obscures the actual form and content of constitutions. This book lights the path to a better distinction that more correctly reflects the key difference among constitutions: some constitutions consist of one authoritative document while others consist of more than one authoritative document.

Drawing from every major region of the world and featuring expert analysis from outstanding scholars, this book demonstrates that constitutions are better distinguished according to whether they are uni-textual or multi-textual.

Introduction: Are There Any Uni-Textual Constitutions in the World?

Richard Albert (The University of Texas, USA)

1. Multi-Textual Constitutions in Japan: History, Functions, and Operation

Masahiko Kinoshita (Kobe University, Japan)

2. Multi-Textuality and Incrementalism in Cameroon's Democratic Transition

Laura-Stella Enonchong (University of London, UK)

3. The Beauty and the Beast: The Excessive Multi-Textualism of the Austrian Constitution

Konrad Lachmayer (Sigmund Freud University, Austria)

4. Canada's Multi-Textual Constitution

Mary Liston (University of British Columbia, Canada)

5. Multi-Textuality by Amendment: The Brazilian Case

Bruno Cunha (Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil)