Constitutional review in Latvia and Lithuania: a comparative analysis

Abstract

The article provides an overview of the essential features of the Latvian and Lithuanian constitutional review models. In light of the fact that both countries only restored their independence at the end of the 20th century after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the institution of constitutional review is playing a very important role in implementing the main values of democratic society and the rule of law. With the help of comparative analysis, the authors present the historical background of establishing both constitutional courts and the main regulation of the constitutional review bodies; they discuss the appointment, independence and inviolability of justices, and uncover the main aspects of constitutional litigation. At the end the article, the authors conclude that despite several differences, the constitutional review systems in Latvia and Lithuania have a lot in common. Both systems are developing rapidly and serving as effective instruments for preserving supremacy of law in society, which should be evaluated as an important achievement in the circumstances of constitutional crises that several European countries are facing.