Reijer Passchier (Open University and Leiden University) helds a talk titled „Digitalisation and the (dis)balance among the three branches” on the 16th of June, 10:00 am. 

 

Abstract:

With particular reference to the case of the Netherlands, this article explores what the digitalization of states means for the balance of power among the three branches of government. In a constitutional democratic state, the judicial, legislative, and executive branches should be separated, capable of keeping one another in check and working together as equal partners. However, digitalization tends to especially benefit the executive, while the judiciary and legislature have seen their position undermined. So far, it is mainly the executive that has succeeded in taking advantage of digital technologies. Meanwhile, digitalization has made it increasingly difficult for judges and parliament to scrutinize the executive, partly due to the opacity (the ‘black box-character’) of many digital applications and the institutional complexity they typically bring along.

Dr. Reijer’s current research focuses on questions surrounding digitisation and constitutional democracy. His most recent book is ‘Artificiële intelligentie en de rechtsstaat’ (Artificial intelligence and the constitutional state). For his article 'Digitalisering en de (dis)balans binnen de trias politica’ (digitisation and the (dis)balance in the separation of powers), Leiden Law School awarded him the Meijers prize for the best-published article from each faculty research programme and the Van Wersch Springplank prize for the best juridical article published in 2020.

 

The seminar will be broadcasted via Zoom application. Participation is subject to prior registration. The Zoom link of the event will be sent to registered participants via email. Register here.