Free Movement of Legal Ideas

• Department of Law

Join the Law Department for a discussion marking the book launch of 'Free Movement of Legal Ideas' by Thomas Wilhelmsson.

Abstract:

The author develops a new perspective on the debate concerning the Europeanisation of private law. He outlines 'good' Europeanisation in which legal sources can be used across borders; hence the free movement of legal ideas. At its core, is the analysis of the legal consequences of growing societal uncertainty and increasing use of micro-politics, leading to a situation where the law develops through small narratives rather than according to a coherent master plan. The inevitable rule of law concerns around such a development, have to be addressed by transparent legal reasoning. The author illustrates how this can be achieved in decision-making across Europe, drawing on arguments which are both substantive and authoritative in nature. He shows how all legal actors, including decision-makers and scholars, are morally responsible for the choices made.