A constitution has the task of realizing its regulatory objective for the entire duration of its existence. In doing so, it bears responsibility for the present, but also for the future. It must ensure that the legitimate interests of future generations are also taken into account in today’s decision-making and policies. The concept of intertemporal protection of fundamental rights developed by German constitutional jurisprudence and the jurisprudence in other countries have particularly stimulated the discussion on the constitution's responsibility for the future, which is important in numerous areas.

At the World Congress of the International Association of Constitutional Law in Johannesburg in December 2022, one workshop, which was chaired by the two editors of this volume, was dedicated to this topic. This book brings together the presentations of 13 authors from 10 countries on fundamental questions and specific aspects of this important issue.