In-person event

Constitutional theory increasingly recognizes that constitutional norms are shaped and implemented by a broad range of actors – at different levels of government, across different institutions, and from the “top down” and “bottom up”. Polyvocal constitutionalism of this kind also has a range of advantages: it has potential epistemic benefits, can enhance the political and sociological legitimacy of the process of constitutional construction, and increase support for core democratic norms. At the same time, there is clear scope for debate about how constitutionalism should work in a polyvocal world: should poly-vocalism, for example, be premised on ongoing constitutional contestation or a preference for the resolution of constitutional controversies? And within this spectrum, what values or ethos should guide courts as they engage with other actors: for example, deference, collaboration or democratic responsiveness? This article explores these questions, and offers a partial defence of responsiveness as the most desirable model of polyvocal constitutionalism, in a world of rich choice.

About the speaker

Rosalind Dixon is a Scientia Professor and Director of the Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law Sydney.

Friday 14 March

Time: 1-2pm

Venue: Common Room, Level 4, New Law Building, Eastern Avenue, University of Sydney, Camperdown campus

CPD Points: 1

This event is proudly presented by the Julius Stone Institute of Jurisprudence at The University of Sydney Law School.