Democratic Participation

In “Courts, Rights, and Democratic Participation,” author Rachel Cichowski breaks down the possible connection between courts, the changing nature of democratic participation and rights. The author believes there are ways institutions in addition to rights shape the courts serve as public participation arena, subsequently courts are essential for citizens to have more power in their democracies. The author says, “courts are increasingly give the powers to constrain, shape, and dismantle government action and acts;” (pg. 51) and it shows as the author has many arguments that show the correlation between the courts, rights and participation. The author argues that the increase in Europe’s participatory nature of governance is correlated to the expansion of rights and easier access to legal institutions. Thus, individuals within the previously stated governance demand more and have a more accessible, accountable and transparent government (pg. 69). The author offers a twofold explanation that backs up her argument. First, the author reveals that after careful analysis individuals are given the tools they need to participate through expanded …show more content…
70). European Convention violations has led to the expansion in the access to the European Court of Human Rights, especially as it shapes opportunities for participation through demanding a higher protection of rights (pg. 70). IN addition to the previous two claims, the author offers two broad conclusions that should be mentioned in brief: one, a change toward a more participatory democracy can lead to enhancement of opportunities for individuals, which leads to expansion in formalities and enforcement and greater public access. Two, changes through time can assist in explaining court’s roles in international governance (pg.