Law, State, and Religion in Bosnia and Herzegovina: ICLARS on Law and Religion

The complex relationship between law, state, and religion in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a topic of great significance, attracting the attention of scholars, policymakers, and the public alike. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of this relationship, shedding light on the work of the International Consortium for Law and Religion Studies (ICLARS) in examining and analyzing the status of law and religion in this Balkan nation.

The Historical Context

To understand the present situation, we must delve into the historical backdrop of Bosnia and Herzegovina. With its rich ethnic and religious diversity, the country has faced various challenges in reconciling religious practices while maintaining a functional legal framework. The Ottoman period, Austro-Hungarian administration, and the Yugoslav era have all contributed to the shaping of the religious landscape in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Law, State and Religion in Bosnia and Herzegovina (ICLARS Series on Law and Religion)

by Emir Kovačević (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	4659 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	180 pages
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Bosnia and Herzegovina Today

Post-conflict Bosnia and Herzegovina represents a unique case study for exploring the intersection of law, state, and religion. With three major religious communities (Islam, Orthodox Christianity, and Catholicism) coexisting within the country, the constitutional framework has aimed to strike a balance between protecting religious rights and preserving the secular character of the state.

The Role of ICLARS

ICLARS plays a crucial role in examining the legal aspects of religion in Bosnia and Herzegovina. By conducting research, organizing conferences, and publishing scholarly articles, the consortium contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between law and religion in this challenging context.

The Legality of Religious Practices

One of the central concerns is the legality of religious practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina. ICLARS' research delves into the constitutional and legislative framework that governs religious activities and assesses the overall religious freedom situation in the country. This examination aims to identify areas where improvements can be made to enhance religious rights and ensure their full protection.

Religious Freedom and Discrimination

ICLARS also focuses on issues related to religious freedom and discrimination in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through analyzing cases of religious discrimination and monitoring the implementation of laws, the consortium provides recommendations for strengthening the legal framework and promoting a more inclusive and tolerant society.

The Challenges Ahead

Despite the progress made in recent years, numerous challenges persist in the domain of law, state, and religion in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The political fragmentation and societal divisions have implications for the legal framework, often resulting in tensions and conflicts related to religious rights and practices. ICLARS continues to research and address these challenges to contribute to the development of more effective policies and strategies.

With its rich diversity, Bosnia and Herzegovina has a complex relationship between law, state, and religion. The work of ICLARS is invaluable in shedding light on the legal aspects of religion, evaluating religious freedom, and providing recommendations to improve the legal framework. By tackling the challenges head-on, it is possible to strike a balance that protects religious rights while upholding the secular character of the state.

References:

• Smith, J.R. (2018). Law and Religion in Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Constitutional Framework. Journal of Law and Religion, 35(2), 299-315.
• International Consortium for Law and Religion Studies. (2021). Retrieved from https://iclars.org/country-profiles/bosnia-and-herzegovina/

Law, State and Religion in Bosnia and Herzegovina (ICLARS Series on Law and Religion)

by Emir Kovačević (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4659 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	180 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

This book explores relations between state, religion and law in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Historically, multi-religiousness has been a constant feature of the Bosnian polity, from its creation in 12th century until modern times. Since the middle of the 19th Century, Catholics have tended to self-identify as Croats, Orthodox Christians as Serbs, and Muslims as Bosniaks. Moreover, in a region that has undergone significant recent transformation, from the communist to the liberal political system, Bosnia and Herzegovina represents a very interesting case for the study of the relationship between state and religion. This book includes a short overview of historical aspects of these relations and a detailed analysis of the existing constitutional and legal framework on freedom of religion and relations between the state and religious communities. It assesses the actual implementation in practice, including the relevant national courts’ case-law. The work covers both the developments of new legal standards, while also identifying the main obstacles in their implementation.

At a time when the region is again the subject of much interest, this book will be essential reading for those working in the areas of Law and Religion, Constitutional Law and Transitional Justice.