THE ROLE OF CONSTITUTIONAL LAW IN ADVANCING SOCIAL JUSTICE: A SOCIAL WORK PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Constitutional law plays a pivotal role in shaping the framework for social justice by establishing fundamental rights, guiding state policies, and enabling judicial intervention to protect marginalized communities. From a social work perspective, constitutional provisions serve not only as legal instruments but also as tools for advocacy, empowerment, and social transformation. This paper examines the intersection between constitutional law and social justice, with particular emphasis on its relevance to social work practice. It explores key constitutional principles such as equality, dignity, and non-discrimination, and analyzes how these principles are operationalized through judicial activism, policy implementation, and grassroots interventions. The study further highlights the Indian constitutional framework as a transformative model that integrates social, economic, and political justice into governance. By critically evaluating challenges such as implementation gaps, structural inequalities, and access to justice, the paper underscores the need for stronger collaboration between legal systems and social work professionals. The findings suggest that constitutional law is not merely a legal construct but a dynamic instrument that can significantly advance social justice when effectively integrated with social work strategies.