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San Diego International Law Journal

Authors

Ariel L. Bendor

Library of Congress Authority File

http://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n79122466

Document Type

Essay

Abstract

The decline in prestige and influence of the political parties in Israel, particularly the larger parties, has become a source of distress for many in Israel. Similarly, in the United States, where the significance of parties is also recognized, many have shown concern for weakening of the dominant political parties. In the American system where politics are ruled by two strong national parties, one of the most common concerns is aimed at the potential possible damage to smaller parties and independent candidates. But, in Israeli, the nature of politics is becoming increasingly sectoral, personal, superficial and populist. As is often characteristic of public discourse in Israel, many have reacted by holding the legal system responsible for this phenomenon. This essay examines this contention by comparing Israeli and American law. On a more general level, it considers the complex relationships between the law of a given country and the style and quality of its politics.

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