Human dignity in comparative perspective
Date
2009-02
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Juta Law Publishing
Abstract
This article compares the role of human dignity in constitutional interpretation in Germany and South Africa. Both countries have embraced dignity as a direct response to a troubled and totalitarian past. Nowadays dignity features as a supreme value, an interpretive Leitmotiv, a justiciable right, an objective constitutional norm, and a guide to the resolution of value conflicts. There are, however, important differences in the way dignity has shaped these countries' constitutional jurisprudence. A study of the relevant similarities and differences provides an important occasion for critical reflection on the possibilities and limits of a dignity-based jurisprudence. The article concludes with tentative observations on the capacity of dignity to guide constitutional decision-making.
Description
CITATION: Botha, H. 2009. Human dignity in comparative perspective. Stellenbosch Law Review = Stellenbosch Regstydskrif 20(2):171-220.
The original publication is available at https://journals.co.za/content/journal/ju_slr
The original publication is available at https://journals.co.za/content/journal/ju_slr
Keywords
Dignity -- South Africa, Dignity -- Germany, Civil rights, Comparative law
Citation
Botha, H. 2009. Human dignity in comparative perspective. Stellenbosch Law Review = Stellenbosch Regstydskrif 20(2):171-220.