Ustavno pravo

The book Constitutional Law (Ustavno pravo), authored by Smiljko Sokol and Branko Smerdel and published in 1992, stands as one of the most significant works in Croatian legal scholarship from the early 1990s. Produced shortly after the adoption of the "Christmas Constitution" of 1990 and the establishment of the independent and sovereign Republic of Croatia, this textbook laid the scholarly and methodological foundations for the study of the new constitutional order. The authors provide a detailed analysis of general concepts in constitutional law, constitutionality and legality, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the principle of the separation of powers. Particular emphasis is placed on the structure of government in Croatia under the original 1990 constitutional model—a semi-presidential system—alongside comparisons with prominent global constitutional systems (such as those of the United States, France, and Germany). The book thoroughly examines the roles of the Croatian Parliament (Sabor), the President of the Republic, the Government, and the Constitutional Court in upholding constitutionality and legality. As an essential resource for law students and legal professionals, this work offers invaluable insight into the formative period of Croatia’s democratic institutions and its constitutional order.