IRVINE, Calif. (February 9, 2024) — University of California, Irvine School of Law (UCI Law) Professor David Kaye has been appointed as the Independent Expert of the United States to the European Commission for Democracy Through Law, better known as the Venice Commission.
The Venice Commission advises the Council of Europe, its member states and fifteen other governments (including the United States) on matters related to democracy, human rights and the rule of law. It produces reports and conducts investigative missions to countries to promote democratic institutions and fundamental rights, constitutionalism, and best practice related to elections, referenda and political parties. Its members, independent of governments and other institutions, are drawn from universities, judiciaries, legislatures, and national civil services, and they serve in their personal capacities for four-year terms.
“The Venice Commission has grown in its influence and scope since it was established in 1990,” said Prof. Kaye. “It has addressed legal and constitutional issues increasingly at risk in the face of rising attacks on the rule of law and fundamental rights worldwide. I am honored to be appointed and look forward to working with the Commission’s eminent scholars and practitioners from its over sixty member states.”
The Venice Commission has grown in its influence and scope since it was established in 1990. It has addressed legal and constitutional issues increasingly at risk in the face of rising attacks on the rule of law and fundamental rights worldwide. I am honored to be appointed and look forward to working with the Commission’s eminent scholars and practitioners from its over sixty member states.
Professor David Kaye
The Venice Commission is based at the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg, France, and holds four plenary sessions annually in Venice, Italy. It regularly provides member states with legal advice and produces major studies concerning domestic legislation and topics of widespread interest related to democracy, elections and fundamental rights.
“UCI Law is thrilled that Professor Kaye will be joining the Venice Commission as the U.S. Independent Expert,” said UCI Law Dean and Chancellor’s Professor of Law Austen Parrish. “This is especially an opportunity to highlight UCI Law’s global footprint and will provide our students increased insight into the way in which human rights and international law interact with constitutionalism and contemporary trends that impact the rule of law.”
About the University of California, Irvine School of Law
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