Axel Tschentscher

Axel Tschentscher serves as Professor of Constitutional Law, Legal Philosophy and Constitutional History at the University of Bern's Faculty of Law since 2005. His academic work bridges German and Swiss constitutional systems with expertise in fundamental rights interpretation, data protection frameworks, and comparative constitutional design. Affiliated with the Institute for Public Law, he maintains an active research profile through publications and case law analysis.

His educational background includes law studies in Hamburg, a Cornell Law School LL.M. (1993), German bar admission (1996), American bar admission (1997), a dissertation in legal philosophy from Kiel University (1999), and a Master's in Philosophy from Würzburg University (2001). His habilitation in constitutional law was completed at Würzburg in 2004.

Tschentscher's research focuses on constitutional theory, legal philosophy, and constitutional history, with significant contributions to data protection law, fundamental rights interpretation, and comparative constitutional analysis. His work often examines German and Swiss constitutional jurisprudence, particularly the jurisprudence of the German Federal Constitutional Court (BVerfG). Recent publications demonstrate evolving interests in digital privacy frameworks, climate protection obligations, and electoral system design.

Analysis of his publications reveals strong emphasis on constitutional interpretation methodologies, fundamental rights protection, and comparative constitutional systems. His scholarly approach combines historical analysis with contemporary legal challenges, particularly in data protection and biotechnology regulation. The case law commentaries highlight his engagement with practical constitutional adjudication.

Tschentscher maintains an active supervisory role for Master's theses at the University of Bern, implementing a structured four-stage supervision process including thematic discussion, topic assignment, content consultation, and formal review. His supervision focuses on constitutional law, legal philosophy, and ethics topics relevant to law department specializations.

He directs research operations at the Institute for Public Law with a team including Head of Secretariat Sabrina Camenzind and assistants Olga Songs, Julian Marbach, Kathrin Rüegsegger, Patricia von Weissenfluh, and auxiliary staff. His office (D114) operates from Schanzeneckstrasse 1, PO Box 3444, CH-3001 Bern, with published contact channels for academic engagement.