Open Legal Policy Criteria in the Constitutional Court Decision: An Evaluation and Recommendation

Authors

Firdaus Arifin, Lecturer of the Faculty of Law, Pasundan University, Jl. Lengkong Besar No. 68, Bandung, Jawa Barat 40261Follow
Ihsanul Maarif, Lecturer of the Faculty of Law, Pasundan University, Jl. Lengkong Besar No. 68, Bandung, Jawa Barat 40261Follow
I Gde Panja Astawa, Professor of State Administrative Law, Faculty of Law, Padjadjaran University, Jl. Dipati Ukur No. 35, Bandung, Jawa Barat 40132Follow
Mohd Kamarulnizam Abdullah, Professor in International Relations and National Security, Principal Fellow Founding Head Research Centre for Malaysia (iKMI), Institute of Malaysia and International Studies (IKAMAS), 43600 Bangi, Selangor, MalaysiaFollow
Robi Asadul Bahri, Lecturer of the Sekolah Tinggi Hukum Galunggung, Jl. Lukmanul Hakim No. 17, Tasikmalaya, Jawa Barat 40261Follow

Abstract

The application of an open legal policy in the testing of legislative norms by the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Indonesia often leads to legal uncertainty due to the lack of clear criteria. The variation in the approaches taken by judges in interpreting legislative policies undermines legal certainty and diminishes the credibility of constitutional reviews. This research aims to evaluate the criteria of open legal policy that can serve as a basis for the Constitutional Court to assess the constitutionality of policies. This study employs a normative legal approach that examines theories, principles, and relevant legal rules in testing the norms of legislation, particularly concerning open legal policy. The results show that the Constitutional Court can do its job more consistently if it sets clearer criteria for open legal policy. For example, it should avoid counter-majoritarian activism and remedial activism and place the principles of proportionality, rationality, and legal certainty at the top of its list of priorities. This research highlights the importance of developing strict testing criteria to enhance legal certainty, ensure fair norm testing, and respect lawmakers' legitimate policy spaces.

Recommended Citation

Arifin, Firdaus; Maarif, Ihsanul; Astawa, I Gde Panja; Abdullah, Mohd Kamarulnizam; and Bahri, Robi Asadul (2025) "Open Legal Policy Criteria in the Constitutional Court Decision: An Evaluation and Recommendation," Padjadjaran Jurnal Ilmu Hukum (Journal of Law): Vol. 12: No. 2, Article 4.
Available at: https://journal.unpad.ac.id/pjih/vol12/iss2/4

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