LAW5 664 - Comparative Law

This seminar examines the issues of institutional design and structure that confront the modern legal world. It will introduce the fundamental features of different legal systems, especially those in Europe and parts of the developing world. The efforts of formerly communist countries to create new legal systems have provoked a critical review of the achievements and deficiencies of the Anglo-American and Continental legal traditions as well as considerable experimentation with hybrid institutions. The seminar will consider the influence of ideology on law, the reform process, the influence of various models, and the realization of institutional change in constitutional, civil, criminal and administrative law. It will also examine the impact of international institutions such as the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights on domestic law.

Credits: 3