This book offers the first comprehensive comparative study of how political polarization reshapes the role and functioning of supreme and constitutional courts. Drawing on case studies from the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, India, Israel, Germany, Spain, and other jurisdictions, it examines how courts are transformed when deep political and social divisions meet powerful judicial institutions. The book identifies the factors that drive courts toward partisanship, the mechanisms through which polarization alters judicial nominations, decision-making and public trust, and the broader implications for the rule of law and democratic stability. It also analyzes reform proposals aimed at reducing the political stakes surrounding courts or balancing their internal composition. Combining theoretical analysis with rich comparative materials, the book will be of interest to scholars, students, and readers seeking to understand the challenges that polarized democracies face in maintaining legitimate, independent, and effective courts.
| ISBN: | 9781009331951 |
| Publication date: | 31st August 2026 |
| Author: | Iddo Porat, Moshe CohenEliya |
| Publisher: | Cambridge University Press |
| Format: | Hardback |
| Pagination: | 170 pages |
| Series: | Cambridge Studies in Constitutional Law |
| Genres: |
Constitutional and administrative law: general Jurisprudence and general issues |
This book offers the first comprehensive comparative study of how political polarization reshapes the role and functioning of supreme and constitutional courts. Drawing on case studies from the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, India, Israel, Germany, Spain, and other jurisdictions, it examines how courts are transformed when deep political and social divisions meet powerful judicial institutions. The book identifies the factors that drive courts toward partisanship, the mechanisms through which polarization alters judicial nominations, decision-making and public trust, and the broader implications for the rule of law and democratic stability. It also analyzes reform proposals aimed at reducing the political stakes surrounding courts or balancing their internal composition. Combining theoretical analysis with rich comparative materials, the book will be of interest to scholars, students, and readers seeking to understand the challenges that polarized democracies face in maintaining legitimate, independent, and effective courts.
Courts in the Age of Polarization features in the following genres: Constitutional and administrative law: general, Jurisprudence and general issues
Courts in the Age of Polarization is available in Hardback
Courts in the Age of Polarization was written by Iddo Porat, Moshe CohenEliya and published by Cambridge University Press
Courts in the Age of Polarization has 170 pages
Yes it is part of Cambridge Studies in Constitutional Law series
£103.50