Almanac of law. Issue 17 (2026), pages 450–458.

DOI: 10.33663/2524-017X-2026-17-450-458

Tatarinov R. V.
Philosophical and Legal Foundations of the Formation of the Institution of Constitutional Courts in European States

The article explores the philosophical foundations of the formation and development of the institution of constitutional courts in European states. It provides a philosophical and legal analysis of the prerequisites for the emergence and evolution of the institution of constitutional jurisdiction in European countries. Particular attention is devoted to examining the influence of key concepts of the philosophy of law, doctrines of the separation of powers, and ideas of constitutionalism on shaping the modern model of the constitutional court. The evolution of legal thought is analyzed, from the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty and formal legalism to the establishment of the principle of the supremacy of the Constitution.

The institution of constitutional jurisdiction plays a crucial role in ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution and the protection of human rights in contemporary European states. The need to control public authority in order to prevent arbitrariness has been emphasized by thinkers throughout the history of civilization. A central place in the study is occupied by the analysis of the debate between H. Kelsen and C. Schmitt concerning the definition of the “Guardian of the Constitution” (Der Hüter der Verfassung). Particular emphasis is placed on the axiological aspects of the activity of constitutional jurisdiction bodies, which consist in guaranteeing the stability of the legal system, maintaining the balance of powers, and protecting democratic principles.

Attention is also given to the post-war transformation of European constitutionalism, the influence of the “Radbruch formula,” and the transition to a substantive understanding of law. The reception of the European model in Ukraine and contemporary challenges associated with the risks of politicization of constitutional adjudication are analyzed. The article provides a comparative overview of the historical stages of the emergence of constitutional courts in European states and their role in ensuring the rule of law and the protection of fundamental human rights. The study employs comparative legal, hermeneutic, and historical-legal methods of analysis. The described criteria for the selection of sources make it possible to identify typical characteristics of the development of constitutional court models and their dependence on national legal traditions. The article outlines the main trends in contemporary European practice of constitutional review, particularly through the prism of the activity of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine and leading judicial institutions of EU member states.

It is concluded that philosophical ideas have a significant impact on the effective functioning of the institution of constitutional jurisdiction, and that further research into the interaction between legal doctrine and judicial practice remains highly relevant for strengthening the principles of constitutionalism in Europe.

Keywords: Constitutional court; philosophy of law; constitutional review; European model; axiology; constitutionalism; separation of powers; legal doctrine; legal history; rule of law; judicial system; Hans Kelsen; Carl Schmitt; negative legislator; legal positivism; substantive constitutionalism.

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Дата першого надходження рукопису до видання: 16.03.2026
Дата прийнятого до друку рукопису після рецензування: 09.04.2026
Дата публікації: 30.04.2026