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Bosnia and Herzegovina Joint Opinion on the Legal
Strasbourg, Warsaw, 9 December 2019 CDL-AD(2019)026 Opinion No. 951/2019 Or. Engl. ODIHR Opinion Nr.:FoA-BiH/360/2019 EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOR DEMOCRACY THROUGH LAW (VENICE COMMISSION) OSCE OFFICE FOR DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS (OSCE/ODIHR) BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA JOINT OPINION ON THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK GOVERNING THE FREEDOM OF PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, IN ITS TWO ENTITIES AND IN BRČKO DISTRICT Adopted by the Venice Commission at its 121st Plenary Session (Venice, 6-7 December 2019) On the basis of comments by Ms Claire BAZY-MALAURIE (Member, France) Mr Paolo CAROZZA (Member, United States of America) Mr Nicolae ESANU (Substitute member, Moldova) Mr Jean-Claude SCHOLSEM (substitute member, Belgium) This document will not be distributed at the meeting. Please bring this copy. www.venice.coe.int CDL-AD(2019)026 - 2 - Table of Contents I. Introduction ................................................................................................................ 3 II. Background and Scope of the Opinion ...................................................................... 4 III. International Standards .............................................................................................. 5 IV. Legal context and legislative competence .................................................................. 6 V. Analysis ..................................................................................................................... 8 A. Definitions of public assembly .................................................................................. -
Initiative and Referendum— Direct Democracy for State Residents
Initiative and Referendum— Direct Democracy for State Residents August 2009 Initiative and Referendum— Direct Democracy for State Residents A Publication of the Research Division of NACo’s County Services Department Written by Christopher Markwood Research Intern August 2009 National Association of Counties 1 About the National Association of Counties The National Association of Counties (NACo) is the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States. Founded in 1935, NACo provides essential services to the nation’s 3,068 counties. NACo advances issues with a unified voice before the federal govern- ment, improves the public’s understanding of county government, assists counties in finding and sharing innovative solutions through education and research, and provides value-added services to save counties and taxpayers money. For more information about NACo, visit www.naco.org. For more information about this publication or the programs included, please contact: National Association of Counties Research Division a Phone: 202.393-6226 � Web site: www.naco.org 2 Initiative and Referendum—Direct Democracy for State Residents • August 2009 Introduction Reflecting upon his visit to America, French historian and philosopher Alexis de Toc- Overview queville observed, “To take a hand in the Initiative and Referendum (I&R) powers give regulation of society and to discuss it is his state residents the ability to have a direct biggest concern and, so to speak, the only voice in the governing rules of their state’s pleasure an American knows.”1 constitution. These processes can also be an influential tool for local officials of coun- In comparing Americans to citizens of other ties and municipalities. -
The Return of Immigration Quotas Could Severely Challenge Switzerland's
The return of immigration quotas could severely challenge Switzerland’s relationship with the European Union blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2014/02/04/the-return-of-immigration-quotas-could-severely-challenge- switzerlands-relationship-with-the-european-union/ 04/02/2014 On Sunday, Switzerland will hold a referendum on creating immigration quotas for all foreign nationals, including those from the European Union. Alexandre Afonso assesses the politics behind the proposal, which has been driven largely by the Swiss People’s Party. He writes that if the ‘yes’ campaign is successful, implementing immigration quotas would present a serious problem for Switzerland’s relationship with the EU. On 9 February, Swiss citizens will vote on a popular initiative “ against mass immigration” spearheaded by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party. The initiative put to the vote proposes to introduce global immigration quotas applying to all foreign nationals entering Switzerland: asylum seekers, labour migrants and family members of established migrants included. At the moment, Switzerland does not limit immigration from EU countries by virtue of a bilateral agreement on free movement with the European Union. Switzerland is also a member of the Schengen area, and has adhered to the Dublin convention on asylum. By contrast, non- EU migration is severely limited. In this context, a “yes” vote on Sunday is believed to pose a number of serious problems for its economy and relationship with the European Union: immigrants represent about a quarter of the Swiss workforce, and the invalidation of the agreement on free movement could potentially make all the other agreements between Switzerland and the EU (notably on the taxation of savings) void. -
The Initiative and Referendum Process
7KH,QLWLDWLYHDQG5HIHUHQGXP3URFHVVLQ:DVKLQJWRQ States with Initiative and/or Referendum Process Map courtesy of the Initiative and Referendum Institute %\ 7KH/HDJXHRI:RPHQ9RWHUVRI:DVKLQJWRQ (GXFDWLRQ)XQG Initiative & Referendum Committee Janet Anderson Tanya Baumgart Cheryl Bleakney Lael Braymer Patricia Campbell Cherie Davidson Elizabeth Davis Phyllis Erickson Rosemary Hostetler Marilyn Knight, Secretary Lee Marchisio Jocelyn Marchisio, Chair Jo Morgan Peggy Saari Ruth Schroeder Editor: Marilyn Knight Typographer: Jane Shafer Reading Committee Elizabeth Davis Steve Lundin Sue Mozer Liz Pierini Alice Schroeder Published by The League of Women Voters of Washington Education Fund October 2002 League of Women Voters of Washington 4710 University Way NE, #214 Seattle, WA 98105-4428 206-622-8961 LWV/WA Initiative and Referendum Study - ii Fall 2002 The League of Women Voters of Washington Education Fund 'LUHFW'HPRFUDF\ 7KH,QLWLDWLYHDQG5HIHUHQGXP3URFHVVLQ:DVKLQJWRQ 7DEOHRI&RQWHQWV Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 1 The Initiative and Referendum in the United States .............................................................................1 Creating Initiatives and Referenda in Washington ...............................................................................4 Initiatives The Referendum Fiscal Impact Statement At the Local Level The Role of Money .............................................................................................................................. -
Russian Federation Interim Opinion on Constitutional
Strasbourg, 23 March 2021 CDL-AD(2021)005 Opinion No. 992/2020 Or. Engl. EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOR DEMOCRACY THROUGH LAW (VENICE COMMISSION) RUSSIAN FEDERATION INTERIM OPINION ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS AND THE PROCEDURE FOR THEIR ADOPTION Adopted by the Venice Commission at its 126th Plenary Session (online, 19-20 March 2021) on the basis of comments by Mr Nicos ALIVIZATOS (Member, Greece) Ms Claire BAZY MALAURIE (Member, France) Ms Veronika BÍLKOVÁ (Member, Czech Republic) Mr Iain CAMERON (Member, Sweden) Ms Monika HERMANNS (Substitute Member, Germany) Mr Martin KUIJER (Substitute Member, Netherlands) This document will not be distributed at the meeting. Please bring this copy. www.venice.coe.int CDL-AD(2021)005 - 2 - Contents I. Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3 II. Scope of the present opinion .......................................................................................... 4 III. Chronology of the preparation and adoption of the constitutional amendments ............. 4 IV. Analysis of the procedure for the Adoption of the Constitutional Amendments .............. 6 A. Speed of preparation of the amendments - consultations ........................................... 6 B. Competence of the Constitutional Court ..................................................................... 7 C. Competence of the Constitutional Assembly .............................................................. 7 D. Ad hoc procedure ....................................................................................................... -
Slovakia Request by the President Pertaining to The
Strasbourg, 21 February 2017 CDL-REF(2017)008 Opinion No. 877 / 2017 Engl. only EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOR DEMOCRACY THROUGH LAW (VENICE COMMISSION) SLOVAKIA REQUEST BY THE PRESIDENT PERTAINING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT WITH REASONING FOR THE QUESTIONS ASKED AND ATTACHMENTS This document will not be distributed at the meeting. Please bring this copy. www.venice.coe.int SLOVAK REPUBLIC RULING of the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic PL. ÚS 4/2012 -77 On October 24, 2012, the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic, in the Plenary consisting of its President Ms. Ivetta Macejková and Judges Ján Auxt, Peter Brňák, Ľubomír Dobrík, Ľudmila Gajdošíková, Juraj Horváth, Sergej Kohut, Ján Luby, Milan Ľalík, Lajos Mészáros, Marianna Mochnáčová, Ladislav Orosz and Rudolf Tkáčik deliberated in a closed session the petition from a group of Members of National Council of the Slovak Republic (MPs), represented by R. P. (MP), seeking interpretation of Article 102 para. 1 (t) and Article 150 of the Constitution of the Slovak Republic and renders the following Interpretation: President of the Slovak Republic has a duty to deal with the proposal of the National Council of the Slovak Republic to appoint the Prosecutor General of the Slovak Republic pursuant to Article 150 of the Constitution of the Slovak Republic and, where the latter has been elected in a procedure in accordance with law, to either appoint the nominated candidate within a reasonable period of time, or inform the National Council of the Slovak Republic -
Venice Commission)
Strasbourg, 16 April 2020 CDL-PI(2020)003 Engl. only EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOR DEMOCRACY THROUGH LAW (VENICE COMMISSION) COMPILATION OF VENICE COMMISSION OPINIONS AND REPORTS ON STATES OF EMERGENCY 2 CDL-PI(2020)003 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 3 I. BENCHMARKS ............................................................................................................. 4 II. Declaration of state of emergency: definition and substantive requirements ......... 5 III. Derogation from human rights obligations .............................................................. 10 IV. Constitutional entrenchment of the state of emergency ......................................... 12 V. Declaration of state of emergency: competences ................................................... 14 VI. Oversight of the declaration and prolongation of the state of emergency ............ 14 a. Parliamentary oversight ......................................................................................... 14 b. Judicial review ........................................................................................................ 18 VII. Duration of the state of emergency .......................................................................... 21 VIII. Duration of the emergency measures ...................................................................... 22 IX Scope of the emergency measures ......................................................................... -
Guidelines on Political Party Regulation 2Nd Edition
Strasbourg, 14 December 2020 CDL-AD(2020)032 Study No. 881/2017 Or. Engl. EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOR DEMOCRACY THROUGH LAW (VENICE COMMISSION) OSCE OFFICE FOR DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS (OSCE/ODIHR) GUIDELINES ON POLITICAL PARTY REGULATION 2ND EDITION Approved by the Council of Democratic Elections at its 69th online meeting (7 October 2020) and Adopted by the Venice Commission at its 125th online Plenary Session (11-12 December 2020) on the basis of comments by OSCE/ODIHR Core Group of Experts on Political Parties Mr Josep Maria CASTELLA ANDREU (Member, Spain) Mr Pieter van DIJK (Expert, Former Member, the Netherlands) Mr Nicolae ESANU (Substitute Member, Republic of Moldova) Mr Ben VERMEULEN (Member, the Netherlands) This document will not be distributed at the meeting. Please bring this copy. www.venice.coe.int CDL-AD(2020)032 - 2 - Table of contents I. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 5 II. POLITICAL PARTIES: THEIR IMPORTANCE, FUNCTIONS AND REGULATION ............ 7 1. The classification and importance of political parties and their functions ........................ 7 2. Three dimensions ........................................................................................................... 8 3. Two models ..................................................................................................................... 9 III. PRINCIPLES ................................................................................................................... -
Opinion on the Fourth Amendment to The
Strasbourg, 17 June 2013 CDL-AD(2013)012 Opinion 720 / 2013 Or. Engl. EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOR DEMOCRACY THROUGH LAW (VENICE COMMISSION) OPINION ON THE FOURTH AMENDMENT TO THE FUNDAMENTAL LAW OF HUNGARY Adopted by the Venice Commission at its 95th Plenary Session (Venice, 14-15 June 2013) on the basis of comments by Mr Christoph GRABENWARTER (Member, Austria) Mr Wolfgang HOFFMANN-RIEM (Member, Germany) Ms Hanna SUCHOCKA (Member, Poland) Mr Kaarlo TUORI (Member, Finland) Mr Jan VELAERS (Member, Belgium) This document will not be distributed at the meeting. Please bring this copy. www.venice.coe.int CDL-AD(2013)012 - 2 - Table of contents I. Introduction ................................................................................................................... 3 II. Preliminary remarks ...................................................................................................... 3 III. Amendments to the Chapters “Foundation” and “Freedom and Responsibility” of the Fundamental Law ................................................................................................................. 6 A. The protection of marriage and family (Article 1) ....................................................... 6 B. Communist past (Article 3) ........................................................................................ 6 C. The recognition of churches (Article 4) ...................................................................... 8 D. Media access for political parties (Article 5.1) ......................................................... -
CDL-AD(2005)041 Opinion No
Strasbourg, 19 Decembre 2005 CDL-AD(2005)041 Opinion no. 343 / 2005 Or.Engl. EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOR DEMOCRACY THROUGH LAW (VENICE COMMISSION) OPINION ON THE COMPATIBILITY OF THE EXISTING LEGISLATION IN MONTENEGRO CONCERNING THE ORGANISATION OF REFERENDUMS WITH APPLICABLE INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS Adopted by the Venice Commission at its 65th Plenary Session, (Venice, 16-17 December 2005) on the basis of comments by Mr Anthony BRADLEY (Substitute Member, United Kingdom) Mr Carlos CLOSA MONTERO (Member, Spain) Mr Kaarlo TUORI (Member, Finland) This document will not be distributed at the meeting. Please bring this copy. Ce document ne sera pas distribué en réunion. Prière de vous munir de cet exemplaire. - 2 - CDL-AD(2005)041 Table of Contents Page I. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................3 II. A PREREQUISITE: RESPECT FOR GOOD PRACTICE IN ELECTORAL MATTERS.5 III. REQUIRED LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION AND MAJORITY REQUIREMENTS.....7 IV. CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY TO VOTE......................................................................11 V. CONCLUSIONS .....................................................................................................................16 - 3 - CDL-AD(2005)041 I. INTRODUCTION 1. On 27 May 2005, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe requested an opinion of the Venice Commission on the compatibility with applicable international standards of the existing legislation in Montenegro concerning the organisation of referendums, with a special focus on the issues of required turnout, majority and the criteria for the eligibility to vote. 2. This request refers to the plan of the Montenegrin authorities to organise a referendum on the independence of the country. At present, on the basis of the Constitutional Charter, which entered into force on 4 February 2003, Montenegro is a member state of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. -
Hungary Opinion on Act Xxv of 4 April 2017 on The
Strasbourg, 9 October 2017 CDL-AD(2017)022 Opinion 891 / 2017 Or. Engl. EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOR DEMOCRACY THROUGH LAW (VENICE COMMISSION) HUNGARY OPINION ON ACT XXV OF 4 APRIL 2017 ON THE AMENDMENT OF ACT CCIV OF 2011 ON NATIONAL TERTIARY EDUCATION Endorsed by the Venice Commission at its 111th Plenary Session (Venice, 6-7 October 2017) on the basis of comments by: Ms R. KIENER (Member, Switzerland) Mr B. VERMEULEN (Member, The Netherlands) Mr D. FARRINGTON (Expert, DGII, Council of Europe) This document will not be distributed at the meeting. Please bring this copy. www.venice.coe.int 2 CDL-AD(2017)022 CONTENT I. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 3 II. PRELIMINARY REMARKS ........................................................................................... 3 A. Background .............................................................................................................. 3 1. Constitutional and legal framework ......................................................................... 3 2. Act XXV of 2017 amending the 2011 HEA .............................................................. 6 a. New requirements for foreign universities ............................................................ 6 b. Scope of application ............................................................................................ 7 B. Scope of the Opinion ............................................................................................. 11 C. -
California's Hybrid Democracy
Working Paper No. 39 California’s Hybrid Democracy By Elizabeth Garrett USC Law School And California Institute of Technology California’s Hybrid Democracy Elizabeth Garrett* Legal scholars are beginning to engage in sustained study of direct democracy: initiatives, referendums and recalls. More than merely assessing constitutional issues implicated by the initiative process, we are studying the legal structure that shapes direct democracy. Our analysis remains incomplete for two reasons, however. First, we tend to think of direct democracy as exceptional – an exotic way to make laws and a process affecting only California and a few other Western states outside the mainstream of America. This vision is inaccurate. Although far fewer laws are enacted by the people than by state legislatures or city councils,1 direct democracy is part of government that affects the majority of Americans. Seventy-one percent of Americans live in a state or city or both that allow the popular initiative.2 Although California has a relatively high number of initiatives at the state level, Oregon has had the largest number of initiatives proposed and adopted, and California’s passage rate of 35% is substantially less than Florida’s passage rate of nearly 70%.3 Initiatives are not a purely Western phenomenon, although they are prevalent in Western states because of their popularity at the time these states entered the Union. Massachusetts, Maine, and Florida have relatively robust systems of direct democracy, as do New York City, Houston, and Columbus. Substantial sums of money are spent in issue * Professor of Law and Political Science, University of Southern California; Director, USC- Caltech Center for the Study of Law and Politics.