Lobbying in a Democratic State of Law: meaning and judgment

Abstract

This paper analyzes the notion of lobbying from the opposing perspective of state institutions and interest groups. The main thesis implies that, in order to formulate any reasonable judgment about lobbying, it is essential to approach this phenomenon only within a strictly defined context in order to address the ambiguity of the term. This holds in particular for assessments of lobbying expressed as part of legal discourse, but also in the realm of social or political discussion and debate. The place of lobbying as a state institution is specifically determined by the fundamental system of government prevailing in the given country. However, as to the remainder, lobbying as such calls for a more detailed reflection on the proper shape of decision-making procedures by government institutions.