This book explores the convergence of law and public policy. Drawing on case studies from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Australia, it examines how judicial and political institutions are closely linked to the socio-economic concerns of the citizens. The essays argue for the utilization of both legislative and executive, private and public spheres of society as vehicles for transformative social change and to safeguard against violations of socio-economic rights. The volume will be of great interest to both public and private stakeholders, as well as professionals, including NGOs and think tanks, working in the areas of law, government, and public policy. It will also be immensely useful to academics and researchers of constitutionalism, policymaking and policy integration, social justice and minority rights.

This book explores the convergence of law and public policy. Drawing on case studies from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Australia, it examines how judicial and political institutions are closely linked to the socio-economic concerns of the citizens. The essays argue for the utilization of both legislative and executive, private and public spheres of society as vehicles for transformative social change and to safeguard against violations of socio-economic rights. The volume will be of great interest to both public and private stakeholders, as well as professionals, including NGOs and think tanks, working in the areas of law, government, and public policy. It will also be immensely useful to academics and researchers of constitutionalism, policymaking and policy integration, social justice and minority rights.

This book contains a comparative study of the way that South Africa and India have attempted to alleviate poverty through their constitutions and give effect to a person's right to social assistance through social policy. The focus of the comparison is on whether India's experience can inform South Africa's emerging jurisprudence regarding the interpretation of the right to social assistance. Although it is accepted that the government in South Africa is increasingly following policies which stimulate the economy and increase employment, it is argued that this cannot count as a state plan for social assistance. Employment creation is, however, vitally important in reducing the number of people dependant upon limited state resources for social assistance and comparisons are drawn between the Expanded Public Works Programme and public works programmes in India.It is also submitted that an extended interpretation of the right to life in South Africa, similar to India's expansion of this right, may provide a solution for the court in desperate cases where people are caught between being employed and receiving state assistance.