Publisher Description

As Europe moves towards economic and political unification, many wonder why legal unification occurs so slowly. R.C. Van Caenegem considers the historical reasons behind this diversity, stressing the adoption of the classical law of the Romans and the influence of the rise of the nation states. The impact of politics on legal development is another key factor. The book concludes with a consideration of the ongoing debate on the desirability of European legal unification.

Author Biography

Van Caenegem is Professor Emeritus of Medieval History and of Legal History in the University of Ghent.

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. The national codes: a transient phase; 2. Ius commune: the first unification of European law; 3. Common law and civil law: neighbours yet strangers; 4. The holy books of the law; 5. Why did the ius commune conquer Europe?; 6. Law is politics; Epilogue: a look into the twenty-first century; Bibliography; Index.

Review

'... a valuable discussion of the role of law (along with lawyers and courts) in the development of a 'federal' Europe.' Contemporary Review 'For anyone interested in the ... legal past and the possibility of a common European law of the future, this book is an ideal starting point ... extremely well written ...' Political Studies 'This book takes the reader along a brisk, pleasant stroll down well-trodden paths - filled as they usually are with familiar turns and the occasional, unexpected gem.' Legal History

Promotional

R. C. van Caenegem considers the historical reasons behind European legal diversity.

Review Quote

"...Van Caenegem provides a detailed account of how the German past was extolled in Nazi Germany." Italian Journal

Promotional "Headline"

R. C. van Caenegem considers the historical reasons behind European legal diversity.

Description for Bookstore

R. C. van Caenegem considers the historical reasons behind European legal diversity, stressing the adoption of the classical law of the Romans, the influence of the rise of the nation states, and the impact of politics on legal development. He concludes with a consideration of the desirability of European legal unification.

Description for Library

R. C. van Caenegem considers the historical reasons behind European legal diversity, stressing the adoption of the classical law of the Romans, the influence of the rise of the nation states, and the impact of politics on legal development. He concludes with a consideration of the desirability of European legal unification.

Details