Comparative Property Law

Course objectives

In this course we will not only focus on the black-letter law, but especially also on the underlying values and principles, policy choices and ground rules that make up systems of property law.

Even though property law systems may look very different from country to country, each system of property law adheres to a similar thought-pattern. This course will allow you to learn about the differences, but also about these underlying thought patterns. 

In this course you will: 

• Acquire basic knowledge and insight into the historical development of property law in Europe.
• Acquire comparative knowledge and insight of leading property law values and principles, policy choices , ground rules and technical rules in civil law systems (particularly: French, German and Dutch law) and common law systems (English and Irish law). You will also acquire basic comparative knowledge from mixed legal systems (amongst others: Scotland)
• Acquire basic knowledge and insight in current developments in comparative and European property law.

Apart from learning new knowledge you will also:

• Apply your knowledge and insight to legal cases and be able to provide a critical analysis and solution to the problem(s) presented in that case.
• Be able to identify and collect relevant materials, and form an reasoned opinion on issues of property law that is partly based on relevant social, scientific or ethic aspects.