| Abstract [eng] |
The Master's thesis analyses the aspects of the legislative process in Lithuania in the period 1918-1940, focusing on the activities of the legislative subjects, the regulation of procedures and the results of the legislative process - normative legal acts. The study examines how the organisation of the legislative process evolved during the various constitutional phases, from democratic to authoritarian regimes. It sought to assess the role of institutions such as the Council of State, the Constituent Assembly, the Seimas, the President and the Cabinet of Ministers. Their functions, powers and influence on the legislative process are revealed. It shows that, although a parliamentary model was formally in place, actual lawmaking, especially during the period of authoritarian rule, was often executive-initiated and procedures were often carried out in a formal manner. Prescribed legal norms remained dominant for a long time and the development of national law was fragmented. Although attempts have been made to systematise and codify the law, these processes started too late and have remained unimplemented. The findings show that the legislative process in inter-war Lithuania did not always comply with the democratic principles of lawmaking, lacking institutional balance and stability. Frequent constitutional changes weakened the foundations of the rule of law. |
