Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This event was organised by the UCL Global Centre for Democratic Constitutionalism.
Speakers: Leah Trueblood (University of Surrey), Alon Harel (Hebrew University of Jerusalem), Carmen Pavel (King's College London), Udit Bhatia (King's College London)
Respondents: Richard Bellamy (UCL), Jeff King (UCL Laws)
Chair: Professor Erin Delaney (UCL Laws)
Abstract
This event celebrates the launch of The Cambridge Handbook of Constitutional Theory (Cambridge University Press, 2025), edited by Richard Bellamy and Jeff King.
About the Book
This Handbook brings together contributions from leading scholars of constitutional theory, with backgrounds in law, philosophy and political science. Its sixty chapters not only offer an exceptional survey of the field but also provide a major contribution to it. The book explores three main areas. First, the values upheld by a constitution, including rights, freedom, equality, dignity and well-being. Second, the modalities of a constitutional system, such as the separation of powers, democratic representation and the rule of law. Finally, the institutions through which it operates, both legal and political, including courts, elections, parliaments and international organisations. It also considers the challenges confronting constitutional arrangements from growing inequality, populism, climate change and migration.
This event was organised by the UCL Global Centre for Democratic Constitutionalism.
Speakers: Leah Trueblood (University of Surrey), Alon Harel (Hebrew University of Jerusalem), Carmen Pavel (King's College London), Udit Bhatia (King's College London)
Respondents: Richard Bellamy (UCL), Jeff King (UCL Laws)
Chair: Professor Erin Delaney (UCL Laws)
Abstract
This event celebrates the launch of The Cambridge Handbook of Constitutional Theory (Cambridge University Press, 2025), edited by Richard Bellamy and Jeff King.
About the Book
This Handbook brings together contributions from leading scholars of constitutional theory, with backgrounds in law, philosophy and political science. Its sixty chapters not only offer an exceptional survey of the field but also provide a major contribution to it. The book explores three main areas. First, the values upheld by a constitution, including rights, freedom, equality, dignity and well-being. Second, the modalities of a constitutional system, such as the separation of powers, democratic representation and the rule of law. Finally, the institutions through which it operates, both legal and political, including courts, elections, parliaments and international organisations. It also considers the challenges confronting constitutional arrangements from growing inequality, populism, climate change and migration.
