Verfassungsblog (May 2024)

Elisabeth Selbert - A Persistent Pioneer of Equality: The Mastermind behind Article 3 (2) of the German Basic Law

  • Verena Kahl,
  • Franziska Bachmann

DOI
https://doi.org/10.59704/752a5d39f128e1d6
Journal volume & issue
no. 2366-7044

Abstract

Read online

Dr. Elisabeth Selbert, who took her A levels in self-study and completed her law degree in six semesters, did her doctorate – ahead of her time – on the principle of irretrievable breakdown of marriage. As a member of the Parliamentary Council, she was one of the four ‘mothers’ of the German Constitution. The inclusion of ‘Men and women shall have equal rights’ in Art. 3 (2) of the Basic Law (‘Grundgesetz’) is her merit. On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the ‘Grundgesetz’, this contribution aims to portray her life, achievements and impact in a short profile.

Keywords