Courts in Federal Countries

Courts are key players in the dynamics of federal countries since their rulings have a direct impact on the ability of governments to centralize and decentralize power. Courts in Federal Countries examines the role high courts play in thirteen countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Nigeria, Spain, and the United States. The volumes contributors analyse the centralizing or decentralizing forces at play following a courts ruling on issues such as individual rights, economic affairs, social issues, and other matters. The thirteen substantive chapters have been written to facilitate comparability between the countries. Each chapter outlines a countrys federal system, explains the constitutional and institutional status of the court system, and discusses the high courts jurisprudence in light of these features. Courts in Federal Countries offers insightful explanations of judicial behaviour in the worlds leading federations.