Constitutional Constraints on Ad Hoc Legislation

Legislatures sometimes adopt laws that create a special legal regime for a particular case, rather than general rules for an indefinite number of situations or persons. These ad hoc laws are controversial. Politically, legislatures may be forced to act in one specific case (for example, as a response to a public outcry), but, in doing so, they risk violating the principles of the rule of law. Such legislative practice might lead to abuse of legislative power, inequality of citizens before the law, legal uncertainty, and weakening of the position of the courts. This in-depth study in the fields of constitutional law and legislative studies clarifies the use and existence of ad hoc laws, placing them within a constitutional framework of the rule of law. The book is a comparative study of the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands. Those who will benefit from this book are academics of constitutional law/legislation/human rights, practitioners of constitutional law, judges from constitutional courts, legislative lawyers, and legislators. It provides innovative and profound insights and will be a valuable addition to library collections. (Series: Ius Commune Europaeum - Vol. 96)