Judicial authority, legitimacy and the (international) rule of law as essentially contested and interpretive concepts: Introduction to the special issue

Abstract Beyond setting the stage, Introduction makes three claims about conceptual triangle of rule law, judicial authority and legitimacy. The first is that all are essentially contested interpretive concepts in sense Walter B. Gallie Ronald Dworkin. In their expositions, interpretative nature such nothing to be ‘solved’, rather formulation different conceptions contestation them central functions concepts. points us relevant ‘actors’ conflicts trade-offs between competencies. Thus second point arguments law legitimacy often a means questioning or securing particular actor institution relation other actors institutions. final transposing from domestic supranational constructive endeavour because it entails creating new substituting old ones as well legitimising authorities delegitimising ones. Thus, this special issue also cautions against discourses ultimately more legitimation than ways ruling law.