Property as a Fundamental Right? The German Example

44 Pages Posted: 2 Apr 2003

Abstract

This article examines an apparent paradox in comparative constitutional law. Property rights are not treated as a fundamental right in American constitutional law; they are, however, under the Basic Law (i.e., constitution) of Germany, a social-welfare state that otherwise gives less weight to property. The article uses this apparent paradox as a vehicle for considering the different reasons why constitutions protect property. It explains the difference between the German and American constitutional treatment of property on the basis of the quite different approaches taken in the two systems to the purposes of constitutional protection of property.

JEL Classification: K11, K33

Suggested Citation

Alexander, Gregory S., Property as a Fundamental Right? The German Example. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=384161 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.384161

Gregory S. Alexander (Contact Author)

Cornell Law School ( email )

Myron Taylor Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853-4901
United States
607-255-3504 (Phone)
607-255-7193 (Fax)

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