Hon. Prof. Stefan Vogenauer, MJur (Oxford), Dr. Matilde Cazzola
14tgl., Mo, 14:00-16:00 (c.t.), mpilhlt*; beginnend am 16.10.2023, endend am 22.01.2024
As the British Empire expanded, English law was being introduced in very different parts of the world. Rules, principles and institutions from England were brought into force in regions and societies as diverse as Australia, Ghana, India, Jamaica and Singapore. In this research colloquium, we enquire how this process unfolded in various places.
In many cases English law encountered local or regional traditions, both legal and non-legal. To what extent did these encounters differ from each other? Was there ever anything resembling the frequently invoked 'unity of the common law'? Or did the law of England acquire a distinctive flavour in each territory, depending on the geography, the climate and the prevailing religions, moral and economic views of the inhabitants? And, finally, can we learn anything from the experience of English law for the broader debate on 'legal transplants' and, even more generally, legal development as such?
Students have the opportunity to choose the topic of their written assignment (Seminararbeit) based on the theme of one of the scheduled seminar sessions, or choose their own topic of research in consultation with the seminar coordinator. They can choose to submit their assignment (approx. 20 pages) in the German or the English language and make an oral presentation (in English) to the other students either at the end of the scheduled semester or at the start of the following semester.
Active participation is expected.
There will be two preliminary meetings, one taking place at the end of the semester before the seminar begins, and one at the start of the semester in which the seminar will be held. Students are encouraged to meet the seminar organisers at either of these sessions to introduce themselves and receive more information on the seminars. In order to enquire about the date and venue of the next preliminary meeting please email cazzola@lhlt.mpg.de.
Das Seminar findet am *Max-Planck-Institut für Rechtsgeschichte und Rechtstheorie in englischer Sprache im Seminarraum Z02 statt.
