Law in Europe: from Gaius until the EU
Full course description
In this course the history of, primarily, Private law in Europe will be dealt with, from Gaius until the EU. Common roots, such as Roman law, Canon law, Legal Humanism and Natural law will be discussed; the codification process in the 19th century will be investigated; and the consequences of the creation of the EU for Private law will be studied.
Course objectives
The student is able to discuss the common legal past of the various European states; he/she is aware of the dependency of law on time and place; The student has knowledge of the differences between Justinianic law and Classical Roman law, and has an understanding of the reception of Roman law in medieval Europe; The student has insight in the influence of Roman, Canon and Feudal law, Legal Humanism and Natural law on the civil and common law systems; The student comprehends the 19th century codification process and is able to form a reasoned point of view about the harmonisation of (Private) law in Europe; The student is able to communicate in writing about the history of Private law in Europe.
Recommended reading
See reference list and coursebook