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Abstract

The proportionality principle has developed over time to become a – and in some jurisdictions, such as Germany, the – central standard of constitutional law and human rights. The principle has witnessed a meteoric rise both in Germany and abroad. It has also been incorporated into international human rights law. I will focus on the German development for three reasons of increasing importance. First, pragmatism: I am most familiar with the situation in Germany. Second, history: the international success story of the proportionality principle – at least as portrayed by Aharon Barak – originated in Germany. Third, analysis: German constitutional history reveals most clearly and explicitly the functional, systematic problem that the principle of proportionality is designed to solve.