Constitutionalism in Asia ― Cases and Materials

This book is a collection of judiciously selected constitutional law materials from Asia, designed for scholars and students of constitutional law and comparative constitutional law. Divided into 11 chapters, the book is arranged thematically around key ideas and controversies, enabling the reader to work through the major facets of constitutionalism in the region. The book begins with a lengthy introduction that critically examines the study of constitutional orders in Asia, highlighting the histories, colonial influences, and cultural particularities extant in the region. This chapter serves both as a provisional orientation towards the major constitutional developments seen in Asia - both unique and shared with other regions - and as a guide to the controversies encountered in the study of constitutional law in Asia. Each of the following chapters is framed by an introductory essay setting out the issues and succinctly highlighting critical perspectives and themes. The approach is one of 'challenge and response,' whereby questions of constitutional importance are posed and the reader is then led, by engaging with primary and secondary materials, through how the various Asian States respond to these questions and challenges. Chapter segments are accompanied by notes, comments, and questions to facilitate critical and comparative analysis, as well as recommendations for further reading. The book presents a representative range of materials from the following States: China, Japan, Mongolia, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, the 10 ASEAN States, Timor-Leste, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

Wen-Chen Chang is Professor at the College of Law, National Taiwan University.Li-ann Thio is Professor of Law (Provost's Chair) at the National University of Singapore and a former Nominated Member of the Singapore Parliament (Eleventh Session).Kevin YL Tan has taught constitutional law for the past 28 years and is the author andeditor of moe than 30 books on law, politics, and history. He is currently Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore, as well as Adjunct Professor at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University. Jiunn-rong Yeh is University Professor at the College of Law, National Taiwan University. He previously served as a Minister in the Taiwanese Government and Vice-Dean of his College. Yeh has published widely in both Chinese and English, and has also taught in many overseas universities.