A Sociology Of Constitutions

This book discusses in a highly original and sophisticated manner aspects of the makings and workings of constitutions, whose significance (both intellectual and practical) has not been previously recognized. It will establish itself as the cornerstone of a new line of scholarship, complementary to more conventional historical and juridical approaches to constitutional analysis.

Using a methodology that both analyzes particular constitutional texts and theories and reconstructs their historical evolution, Chris Thornhill examines the social role and legitimating status of constitutions from the first quasi-constitutional documents of medieval Europe, through the classical period of revolutionary constitutionalism, to recent processes of constitutional transition. A Sociology of Constitutions explores the reasons why modern societies require constitutions and constitutional norms and presents a distinctive socio-normative analysis of the constitutional preconditions of political legitimacy. Review: 'This book discusses in a highly original and sophisticated manner aspects of the makings and workings of constitutions, whose significance (both intellectual and practical) has not been previously recognized. It will establish itself as the cornerstone of a new line of scholarship, complementary to more conventional historical and juridical approaches to constitutional analysis.' Gianfranco Poggi, University of Trento 'This is an important book for those who seek to understand the sociological processes involved in the development of states and their constitutions. It has the great merit of offering considerable detail in support of its thesis and thus ample ammunition to challenge the many alternative theories of the development of the modern state.' Richard Nobles, The Modern Law Review 'Thornhill's book is exceptionally well documented and researched as regards historical facts, legal developments, and the genealogy of major concepts of modern European constitutionalism and state politics ... [An] extremely important socio-legal endeavour ... sociologists of law and constitutionalism now have powerful methodological tools, a sociological conceptual framework, and invaluable sources of the new constitutional imagination.' Jiri Priban, Journal of Law and Society