Ex-Ministers as Constitutional Judges

France Claiming that "law is politics" is easy; exposing how it is so is much harder. In this groundbreaking book, Mathias Moschel documents the existence and role of a truly fascinating category of constitutional judges. Based on a sophisticated cross-national comparison and original material, and resulting in both strong claims and balanced assessments, his study offers an invaluable contribution to the literature. It will be essential reading for constitutional scholars, political scientists, and specialists in comparative law and politics. * Guillaume Tusseau, Professor of Public Law, Sciences-Po Law School *
Austria Moschel 's book deals with a highly topical subject that provides new comparative insights and material. Indeed, this is one of the rare times that interviews with (former) judges of the world's oldest constitutional court in Austria are used in a scientific publication. By looking at the role of ministers as judges in four continental European constitutional courts, the book analyses the complex interplay between law and politics as it (also) relates to the organizational aspects of apex courts and negotiates the deeper role of constitutional courts regarding separation of powers and the possibilities to address the challenges of over-politicisation. The increasing challenge to constitutional courts by the public, populism and politics must be addressed. Moschel's book shows important ways forward in this regard. * Konrad Lachmayer, Professor of Public Law, European Law and Foundations of Law, Sigmund Freud University *