A Constitution for the Federation of Earth (Session 3)

A law that cannot be enforced is easy to ignore. The third session turned to Articles 10 to 15 of the Earth Constitution. These describe how its law would be enforced and which freedoms it would protect.

Discussion Highlights

Glen T. Martin explained an enforcement system led by five World Attorneys General. A civilian World Police would be equipped only to arrest individuals. Law would apply to individuals rather than to nations. He described the World Ombudsman as a watchdog over the rest of the government. He then turned to two bills of rights. Article 12 covers political freedoms. Article 13 covers economic, social and planetary rights, including a right to a protected environment. Article 14 leaves member nations free to choose their internal systems. Article 15 provides for federal zones and world capitals.

The group tested the text. Members asked about rights it does not name, such as sexual orientation, abortion and gun ownership. Martin said such questions would go to the World Parliament and the courts. Others asked how holdout states would be handled during demilitarization. Some asked how the world court would differ from the International Criminal Court, and how countries such as China or Russia could take part. Members also asked whether elections are the only way to choose representatives. One asked what the provision allowing groups to leave means. The remaining articles and the commentary moved to the next session.

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