John Olusegun Adenitire – författare

Constitutionalism—the idea that constitutions should limit and direct government power—has emerged as the global standard for the exercise of public authority. Its appeal lies in the simple idea that constitutions should secure governance in the interests of the governed. Yet, its popularity has obscured a significant problem: constitutions are centred on the interests of rational human beings, neglecting those who lack such capacities—most notably, non-human animals.Animals and the Constitution breaks new ground by challenging the human-centredness of current constitutional theory and practices. It pioneers a more capacious account of constitutionalism—sentience-based constitutionalism—which is grounded in respect for the interests of all governed sentient beings. The book demonstrates how this account can be implemented in modern constitutions by rethinking four key principles of constitutionalism: fundamental rights, proportionality, rule of law, and democracy. To illustrate how these principles can be reimagined to protect the interests of both humans and animals, the book draws on and examines numerous real-world examples, ranging from judicial recognitions of wild animal rights in Ecuador, to direct democratic votes on primate rights in Switzerland, to entire proposed bills of rights for animals in Finland.A unique combination of constitutional theory, animal ethics, and comparative constitutional law, this book offers a practical blueprint for constitutions to address the moral and legal status of sentient beings.

The central focus of this edited collection is on the ever-growing practice, in liberal states, to claim exemption from legal duties on the basis of a conscientious objection. Traditional claims have included objections to compulsory military draft and to the provision of abortions. Contemporary claims include objections to anti-discrimination law by providers of public services, such as bakers and B&B hoteliers, who do not want to serve same-sex couples. The book investigates the practice, both traditional and contemporary, from three distinct perspectives: theoretical, doctrinal (with special emphasis on UK, Canadian and US law) and comparative. Cumulatively, the contributors provide a comprehensive set of reflections on how the practice is to be viewed and carried out in the context of a liberal state.

The central focus of this edited collection is on the ever-growing practice, in liberal states, to claim exemption from legal duties on the basis of a conscientious objection. Traditional claims have included objections to compulsory military draft and to the provision of abortions. Contemporary claims include objections to anti-discrimination law by providers of public services, such as bakers and B&B hoteliers, who do not want to serve same-sex couples. The book investigates the practice, both traditional and contemporary, from three distinct perspectives: theoretical, doctrinal (with special emphasis on UK, Canadian and US law) and comparative. Cumulatively, the contributors provide a comprehensive set of reflections on how the practice is to be viewed and carried out in the context of a liberal state.

The central focus of this edited collection is on the ever-growing practice, in liberal states, to claim exemption from legal duties on the basis of a conscientious objection. Traditional claims have included objections to compulsory military draft and to the provision of abortions. Contemporary claims include objections to anti-discrimination law by providers of public services, such as bakers and B&B hoteliers, who do not want to serve same-sex couples. The book investigates the practice, both traditional and contemporary, from three distinct perspectives: theoretical, doctrinal (with special emphasis on UK, Canadian and US law) and comparative. Cumulatively, the contributors provide a comprehensive set of reflections on how the practice is to be viewed and carried out in the context of a liberal state.

Can animals, artificial intelligences (AI), and nature have fundamental rights? Do they have fundamental rights? And if they do, how do their rights relate to human rights? In this book, eminent and emerging scholars from fields as varied as legal theory, environmental studies, and philosophy, probe the theoretical foundations, flaws, and future prospects of the growing phenomenon of non-human rights. Using a dialogical structure, the book consists of matched chapters, with one contributor advancing a view on fundamental rights and another engaging with it. This allows readers to deepen their understanding of the different perspectives offered and to participate in constructive conversations that tease out the promise and pitfalls of each position. This balanced approach makes the book particularly helpful to scholars and students who are seeking insights into the emerging field of fundamental rights for non-humans. The book also benefits theoretically-minded lawyers, judges, and policymakers who are considering the foundational issues that shape the development of animal rights, AI rights, and rights of nature.

Can animals, artificial intelligences (AI), and nature have fundamental rights? Do they have fundamental rights? And if they do, how do their rights relate to human rights? In this book, eminent and emerging scholars from fields as varied as legal theory, environmental studies, and philosophy, probe the theoretical foundations, flaws, and future prospects of the growing phenomenon of non-human rights. Using a dialogical structure, the book consists of matched chapters, with one contributor advancing a view on fundamental rights and another engaging with it. This allows readers to deepen their understanding of the different perspectives offered and to participate in constructive conversations that tease out the promise and pitfalls of each position. This balanced approach makes the book particularly helpful to scholars and students who are seeking insights into the emerging field of fundamental rights for non-humans. The book also benefits theoretically-minded lawyers, judges, and policymakers who are considering the foundational issues that shape the development of animal rights, AI rights, and rights of nature.