Alkotmánybírósága

Alkotmánybírósága is the constitutional court of Hungary. Its primary function is to ensure that laws and other acts of public authorities conform to the Fundamental Law and to protect fundamental rights. The court reviews the constitutionality of statutes and government decrees, checks the conformity of public acts with the constitution, and handles matters involving the protection of individual rights.

The court has several channels of activity. It can conduct abstract constitutional review of legislation, respond to constitutional questions referred by courts, and hear individual constitutional complaints alleging violations of constitutional rights by public authorities. It may issue rulings that annul, amend, or require remedy for laws or acts deemed unconstitutional, and its decisions are binding and enforceable.

The Alkotmánybírósága operates independently from the legislative and executive branches and maintains its own procedural rules. It is composed of 15 judges who serve nine-year terms. Judges are appointed by the President of Hungary based on proposals from various constitutional bodies and institutions to ensure broad representation, and a member elected by the court serves as its president to preside over sessions.

Historically, Hungary established a constitutional court during its transition to democracy in the late 20th century. The current framework was shaped by the Fundamental Law adopted in 2011 and by subsequent statutes governing procedures and review. The Alkotmánybírósága functions within the broader European legal order, interact­ing with EU law and the European Convention on Human Rights, and its rulings can influence national policy as well as align with international norms.