The Ultimate Rule of Law [Paperback]

This book examines the judgments of leading courts around the world on issues such as religious freedom, sex discrimination, and social and economic rights. Beatty develops a radical alternative to the conventional view that in deciding these cases judges engage in an essentially interpretative, and thus subjective act, relying ultimately on their personal beliefs and political opinions. Beatty's analysis shows that it is possible to apply an impartial and objective method of judicial review based on the principle of proportionality, which acts as an ultimate rule of law and is fully compatible with the ideals of democracy and popular sovereignty.


1. The Forms and Limits of Constitutional Interpretation
2. Liberty
3. Equality
4. Fraternity
5. Proportionality

David M. Beattyis Professor of Law at the University of Toronto.