The Story

This isn't a story with characters in the traditional sense. The main character is an idea: judicial review. The plot follows the intense debate in Portugal about whether judges should have the power to strike down laws they believe violate the country's constitution. The author walks us through the legal arguments, the historical context, and the political battles that surrounded this critical question. It's the story of how Portugal grappled with building a system where no law is above the highest law of the land.

Why You Should Read It

Don't let the title scare you off. The book's strength is how it makes a complex constitutional issue feel urgent and human. It's not just theory; it's about power, checks and balances, and protecting citizens from overreach. Reading it, you get a real sense of the high stakes involved. It changed how I look at the news—now when I hear about a court challenging a law, I understand the massive philosophical and practical machinery at work behind that headline.

Final Verdict

This is a must-read for anyone interested in how democracies function, especially in Portugal or other civil law countries. It's also perfect for readers who enjoy smart non-fiction that explains big ideas clearly. You don't need a law degree, just a curiosity about how societies decide what's fair. If you liked books that unpack the hidden systems governing our lives, you'll find this deeply rewarding.