Are Private Remedies in Domestic Courts Essential for International Trade Agreements to Perform Constitutional Functions with Respect to Sub-Federal Governments?

Authors

Matt Schaefer

Abstract

The term constitutionalism is increasingly discussed in the context of international trade agreements. A prominent example is Professor Petersmann's writings on the constitutional functions that trade agree- ments could serve by limiting governmental discretion to take welfare- reducing protectionist measures against the long-term interests of a nation and contrary to individual economic liberty.' The absence of such protectionist constraints and foreign trade rights in domestic con- stitutions can be mitigated (and already is mitigated somewhat) through the development of international trade rules and institutions.

Recommended Citation

Matt Schaefer, Are Private Remedies in Domestic Courts Essential for International Trade Agreements to Perform Constitutional Functions with Respect to Sub-Federal Governments?, 17 Nw. J. Int'l L. & Bus. 609 (1997).
https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/njilb/vol17/iss1/18