Description
Book SynopsisR. 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.
Trade 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
Table of ContentsPreface; 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.
