Even in societies with well-established constitutions and a strong history of

the rule of law, there are continual challenges in integrating the rights of

minority groups, balancing the appropriate role for religion and religious law,

and respecting cultural norms. Can religious laws be integrated into--or

accepted under--a national constitution meant to serve a plural society?

What about cultural traditions which may not adhere to international legal

norms and standards? These same questions plague the constitution-making

process and, as witnessed in recent attempts in Iraq, Afghanistan and

Europe, can create almost insurmountable obstacles if the process itself is

not sufficiently inclusive and due attention given to these concerns. This

session will make use of case studies from diverse regions and cultures to

examine and compare practices and approaches, seeking to identify optimal

approaches to the creation and application of constitutions.

The fee for this session is 3,000 EURO. The fee covers the cost of the program, accommodations, and meals.

Limited financial aid is available and is awarded based on need. Applicants who believe they qualify for assistance should explain their circumstances in a letter, which should be submitted with their application.

NOTE: This session may be taken for Continuing Education credit. Offered in association with the Center for International Legal Studies (CILS), this conference is recognized by the Law Society of England and Wales, the General Council of the Bar of England and Wales, and the Netherlands Bar for Continuing Professional Development Credit (CPD), the states of New York, California, and Colorado under the approved jurisdictions rule, as well as West Virginia, New Hampshire and South Carolina for Continuing Legal Education Credit (CLE). In addition, due to CILS' recognized sponsorship with the above states, lawyers from the following jurisdictions will qualify for CLE credits: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington State, Wisconsin, and Wyoming and Hong Kong. There is an additional fee of EUR170 to register for CLE credit.