This paper explores 12 cases of constitution building undertaken during times of transition from civil conflict or authoritarian rule during the last fifteen years. The cases are diverse in context, constitution building approach, constitutional culture and knowledge, and outcome. The paper provides a tour of constitutional building processes and the discussion seeks to draw out common themes from the cases and elucidate some of the ways that constitution building processes have impacted on the content of the constitution, on the broader democratization process in the state, and on any return to violent conflict.