Constitutional Law and Democracy Research Unit

The An-Najah Constitutional Studies Centre (NCSC) is an innovative center dedicated to advancing the development of constitutional law and democracy in Palestine. The center places particular emphasis on key areas such as the separation of powers, the scope of legislative, executive, and judicial powers, the structure of constitutional democracy, and the protection of fundamental freedoms such as speech, gender equality, freedom of the press, and religious freedom. In essence, the NCSC is committed to fostering the growth and establishment of a robust constitutional framework in Palestine.

The establishment of the NCSC is driven by An-Najah University's long-standing commitment to creating a new paradigm for constitutional law scholarship and studies. The center actively pursues this goal through a range of initiatives, including conferences, lectures, informal "Constitutional Conversations," and fellowships. By engaging in these activities, the NCSC seeks to facilitate meaningful discussions, promote scholarship, and provide opportunities for students and scholars to analyze constitutional issues from diverse ideological perspectives.

It is important to note that the center maintains a non-partisan stance and refrains from taking sides on controversial cases. Instead, it upholds a steadfast dedication to the rule of law and the objective study and interpretation of the constitution based on its text, historical context, and underlying principles.

The NCSC fulfills this mission by organizing events and activities that promote scholarly research, generate public discourse, and enable students and scholars to engage in comprehensive analyses of constitutional matters spanning the ideological spectrum.

Activities:

• Constitutional Research: Our unit conducts in-depth research on constitutional law, constitutional history, and related legal issues. We analyze historical court cases, constitutional amendments, and legal principles to deepen our understanding of constitutional concepts and their application in contemporary society.
•  Policy Analysis: We provide policy analysis on legal and constitutional issues. We evaluate proposed legislation, regulations, and policy initiatives for their constitutionality and provide insights on the potential impact of these policies on constitutional rights, the separation of powers, and other constitutional principles.
• Educational Programs: We offer educational programs to enhance knowledge and understanding of constitutional law. These programs include seminars, workshops, and conferences for legal professionals, scholars, and policymakers. By promoting education and discussion, we contribute to the development of a well-informed and knowledgeable community.
• Publishing: Our unit publishes books, articles, and academic papers on constitutional law and related topics. We may also publish newsletters or maintain blogs to share research findings, analysis, and commentary on constitutional matters. Through these publications, we aim to contribute to public discourse and facilitate informed debates on constitutional issues.