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Unwritten Constitutionalism and Living Constitution

Abstract

This paper discusses the models of unwritten or common law constitutionalism and their main features that institute new representative possibilities of the constitution. Usually, a dystopia is created by dividing the link between the written and the unwritten, seeing the constitutional text as a dogma and predictability in judicial decisions. However, if human and fundamental rights are open and abstract, mere codification does not restrict their understanding. This paper intends to present new interpretative paths of the constitution based on the emphasis on unwritten principles, the coherence of precedents, and the possibility of a living constitution. The research method was the functional method of comparative constitutional law. Results indicate that the unwritten dimension of the constitutional text allows for defining the constitution as a living and constantly evolving instrument.

Keywords:
Unwritten constitutionalism; Common Law; Precedent; Living constitution

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