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The Global Gender Equality Constitutional Database is a repository of gender equality related provisions in 194 constitutions from around the world. The Database was updated in partnership with the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and with support from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and the Government of Japan. Experience its wealth and depth of information by starting your search now.
Status of the Constitution
- English1. Appropriate principles of interpretation of this Constitution shall be developed and employed by the courts to reflect the unique character and supreme status of this Constitution.
2. In interpreting the provisions of this Constitution a court of law shall—
a. promote the values which underlie an open and democratic society;
b. take full account of the provisions of Chapter III and Chapter IV9; and
c. where applicable, have regard to current norms of public international law and comparable foreign case law.
3. Where a court of law declares an act of executive or a law to be invalid, that court may apply such interpretation of that act or law as is consistent with this Constitution.
4. Any law that ousts or purports to oust the jurisdiction of the courts to entertain matters pertaining to this Constitution shall be invalid. (Sec. 11)
Status of the Constitution
- English
…
2. The Constitution is the highest law in the Republic of Albania.
3. The provisions of the Constitution are directly applicable, except when the Constitution provides otherwise. (Art. 4) - Albanian
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2. Kushtetuta është ligji më i lartë në Republikën e Shqipërisë.
3. Dispozitat e Kushtetutës zbatohen drejtpërsëdrejti, përveç rasteve kur Kushtetuta parashikon ndryshe. (Neni 4)
Status of the Constitution
- EnglishIn the United Mexican States all persons will enjoy the human rights recognized in this Constitution and in the treaties to which the Mexican State is a party, as well as the guarantees for their protection, of which [the] exercise may not be restricted or suspended, except in the cases and under the conditions that this Constitution establishes.
The norms concerning human rights will be interpreted in accordance with this Constitution and with the international treaties of the matter[,] favoring at all times to persons the greatest possible [más amplia] protection.
… (Art. 1) - SpanishEn los Estados Unidos Mexicanos todas las personas gozarán de los derechos humanos reconocidos en esta Constitución y en los tratados internacionales de los que el Estado Mexicano sea parte, así como de las garantías para su protección, cuyo ejercicio no podrá restringirse ni suspenderse, salvo en los casos y bajo las condiciones que esta Constitución establece.
Las normas relativas a los derechos humanos se interpretarán de conformidad con esta Constitución y con los tratados internacionales de la materia favoreciendo en todo tiempo a las personas la protección más amplia.
… (Art. 1)
Status of the Constitution
- EnglishEvery person has the following fundamental duties to himself and his descendants and to others –
a. to respect and to act in the spirit of the Constitution;
… (Art. 7) - FrenchToute personne a les devoirs fondamentaux suivants envers elle-même, ses descendants et autrui:
a) agir dans l'esprit de la Constitution et la respecter;
… (Art. 7)
Status of the Constitution
- EnglishThis Act, and all laws made by the Parliament of the Commonwealth under the Constitution, shall be binding on the courts, judges, and people of every State and of every part of the Commonwealth, notwithstanding anything in the laws of any State; and the laws of the Commonwealth shall be in force on all British ships, the Queen’s ships of war excepted, whose first port of clearance and whose port of destination are in the Commonwealth. (Covering Clause 5)
Status of the Constitution
- EnglishIn matters brought before them for decision, the courts shall not apply laws or principles that are contrary to the Constitution. (Art. 213)
- PortugueseNos feitos submetidos a julgamento os tribunais não podem aplicar leis ou princípios que ofendam a Constituição. (Art. 213)
Status of the Constitution
- EnglishThe Constitution cannot be wholly or partially suspended. (Art. 187)
- DutchDe Grondwet kan noch geheel, noch ten dele worden geschorst. (Art. 187)
- FrenchLa Constitution ne peut être suspendue en tout ni en partie. (Art. 187)
- GermanDie Verfassung darf weder ganz noch teilweise ausgesetzt werden. (Art. 187)
Status of the Constitution
- English
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When a treaty affects constitutional provisions it must be adopted by the same procedure that governs the reform of the Constitution, before being ratified by the President of the Republic.
… (Art. 57) - Spanish
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Cuando el tratado afecte disposiciones constitucionales debe ser aprobado por el mismo procedimiento que rige la reforma de la Constitución, antes de ser ratificado por el Presidente de la República.
... (Art. 57)
Status of the Constitution
- English1. The constitutional principles regarding fundamental rights, freedoms and guarantees are directly applicable to, and binding upon, all public and private entities.
… (Art. 28) - Portuguese1. Os preceitos constitucionais respeitantes aos direitos, liberdades e garantias fundamentais são directamente aplicáveis e vinculam todas as entidades públicas e privadas.
... (Art. 28)
Status of the Constitution
- EnglishThis Constitution takes effect 1 year after ratification unless the Congress of Micronesia by joint resolution specifies an earlier date. If a provision of this Constitution is held to be in fundamental conflict with the United Nations Charter or the Trusteeship Agreement between the United States of America and the United Nations, the provision does not become effective until the date of termination of the Trusteeship Agreement. (Art. XVI, Sec. 1)