Constitutional Accountability
/ˌkɑnstɪˈtjuːʃənəl əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/
Definitions
- (n.) The principle and practice of holding governmental bodies and officials legally responsible for adherence to constitutional provisions and protections.
Constitutional accountability ensures that public officials cannot act beyond the powers granted by the constitution.
- (n.) The obligation of government institutions to justify their actions within the constraints of a written or unwritten constitution, often through judicial review or legislative oversight.
Courts play a key role in enforcing constitutional accountability by reviewing laws for compliance with constitutional norms.
Forms
- constitutional accountability
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term emphasizes legal responsibility tied specifically to constitutional frameworks, distinct from general political or administrative accountability.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.