Tamir Moustafa. “Introduction: Law versus the State,” In The Struggle for Constitutional Power: Law, Politics, and Economic Development in Egypt. 1-18. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007.
Summary: The article explores why an entrenched authoritarian regime would establish an independent constitutional court through a case study of Egypt. Although the ruling regime exerts its influence on all facets of political and associational life, it granted the Supreme Constitutional Court (SCC) substantial autonomy from executive control. The paradox is all the more intriguing when one reviews the surprisingly bold rulings that the SCC delivered in a variety of areas over the past quarter-century. The Court consistently worked to curtail executive powers, expand freedom of expression, and shield groups active in civil society from state domination.