O české státnosti 3. Demokratický a laický stát

This third part of essays and interviews of this prominent Czech expert on constitutional law and specialist in the Beneš’ decrees, concerning Czech statehood and important values, which are reflected in the public life of Czech society. Some essays follow up the topics from previous volumes, while others deal with spheres which had not been previously treated (such as the relations of the Catholic church and the state, freedom of religion or freedom of speech). The publication’s first part contains speeches and essays concerning the Czech state idea and continuing disputes about traditions and values of the Czech statehood and of the democratic system of the state. The second part focuses on secular state and discussions concerning the solution for the relationship of the Catholic church and state. The third part treats political rights and constitutional changes which came about during the formation of the democratic system of the Czech Republic. A more extensive part of the book discusses the theoretical concept of the constitution and prospects of the Czech constitutionality in the European Union, which is becoming more and more integrated. Attention is paid also to mutual relationships of the highest constitutional bodies, mainly the role of the president of the republic as the head of the state and the role of courts as important factors in the formation of a democratic state respecting the rule of law. The final part reminds of some personalities, which considerably influenced the Czech statehood and its historical development (J. Hlávka, J. Hájek, Z. Mlynář and Z. Jičinský). The book is supplemented by documents related to the main topic of the book – the values of a secular state.