The State Power and the Limits of the Principle of Sovereignty: An Historical Approach

2012

This chapter explores the notion of sovereignty and the limits of state power in the framework of criminal justice. It is not an easy enterprise to counter terrorism while respecting the rule of law and guaranteeing the security of citizens to the maximum extent possible without violating their fundamental rights. Theoretically, modern constitutionalism emerged to protect citizens from political abuses of power. In practice, however, fundamental rights are not always fully respected since the state is often tempted to exercise its power beyond legal boundaries. To limit the power of the state means to limit its sovereignty. Otherwise, the abuses of power by the state become inevitable. Surp…