The Influence of the Weimar Constitution on the Common Law World

Abstract

It is commonly thought that the Weimar Constitution had little influence in the common law world. This article traces the translation of the Weimar Constitution in the Irish context, and demonstrates its importance in the drafting of the Irish Free State Constitution of 1922 and the Irish Constitution of 1937. It specifically looks at the way in which translation occurred in relation to the Directive Principles of Social Policy. The translation of the Irish Constitution into the South Asian context is analysed, with a particular focus on India.