The Role of the Constitution in the Formation of a Rule-of-Law State: An Expert’s Perspective

This year, the Republic of Kazakhstan celebrated the 30th anniversary of its Constitution. The country’s fundamental law has become a reliable foundation on which the rule of law is built, the rights and freedoms of citizens are ensured, the work of state bodies is improved, and the independence of the country is strengthened. Numerous publications in the media and television programs were dedicated to this important event.

On August 29, a special episode of the program Kóremíz aired, entirely devoted to Constitution Day. This program, broadcast on the First Channel Eurasia from Monday to Friday at 19:00, focuses on the most pressing issues concerning Kazakhstani society. As an honored guest, the program invited Professor Zhanar Amanzhanovna Kegembayeva, Doctor of Law, from the Department of Theory and History of State and Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

The invitation of such a distinguished legal scholar to the program served as a recognition of the high mission of legal science in reflecting on the role of the Constitution. As Professor Zh.Kegembayeva noted, being invited to such a popular program provided an opportunity to explain to a wide audience the enormous significance of the Fundamental Law and its role in regulating society. The adoption and development of the Constitution of Kazakhstan, as well as subsequent amendments and additions, are aimed at ensuring the supremacy of law, protecting citizens’ rights and freedoms, and guaranteeing the sustainable development of all spheres of society. These changes are not limited to the legal sphere alone but also touch upon social, political, and economic aspects, creating a foundation for further improvement of the state system.

Speaking about the Constitution and national legislation, it is also important to note that any law is, first and foremost, the result of human effort, and the quality of legislation directly depends on the professional skill of the lawyers involved in its development.

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University is rightfully renowned for its strong scientific schools, which have played a decisive role in the formation and development of domestic jurisprudence. Here, outstanding legal scholars worked, including Academicians S. Zimanov, S. Sartaev, M. Baymakhanov, and V. Kim, whose fundamental ideas laid the groundwork for modern Kazakhstani constitutionalism and the legal system as a whole. Today, these traditions are successfully continued by prominent legal scholars such as E. Nurpeisov, Z. Kenzhaliev, E. Duysenov, A. Ibraeva, D. Baymakhanova, K. Usseinova, U. Akhatov, and many other professors of the Faculty of Law. Their scientific works, expert opinions, and active participation in legislative processes contribute to the development of Kazakhstani law, the improvement of legislation, and the strengthening of the legal foundations of the state.

The Faculty of Law at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University is rightly considered a cradle of professional personnel, where not only the legal expertise of future lawyers is formed, but also a high level of civic responsibility, legal culture, and scientific thinking. Here, the intellectual and moral foundations are laid for future generations of researchers, practitioners, and public officials.

By supporting and developing the rich traditions of previous generations, the University continues to educate a new generation of lawyers capable of responding effectively to the challenges of the times, promoting the ideas of the rule of law, and strengthening the foundations of a rule-of-law state.