bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disruptions in the ENP Cycle: EU Gender Policies in Tunisia from a ‘Decentring Perspective’
Authors: Giusti Serena , Della Valle Clara
Published: April 2022

The article explores how policy actions generated by the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) are enacted in partner countries as the result of cooperation between their governments and EU headquarters and between local actors and EU delegations (EUDs). By borrowing insights from the literature on EU democracy support and on external perceptions of the EU, the article considers the implementation of EU gender policies in Tunisia through the analytical lens of the ‘policy cycle model’. It adopts a ‘decentring perspective’ privileging local actors’ needs, expectations and viewpoints, which reveals that major disruptions in the implementation of EU gender policies derive more from the organization’s bureaucratic rigidity than from the way policy is conceived. The EU does not properly address these disruptions, because of a mix of procedural constraints and political prioritization, which affect the functioning of the ENP cycle. This risks undermining desired outputs at the local level and questions the so-called EU ‘local turn’ that accelerated especially after 2011. The article concludes that the ‘policy cycle model’ can be a useful analytical tool to examine other ENP policies, especially if combined with a ‘decentring perspective’.

ENP, gender policies, Tunisia, EU delegations, female civil society, policy cycle model, decentring perspective
Is codification needed in Europe? Principles of European Contract Law and the relationship to Dutch law
Authors: Lando Ole
Published: April 2022

Abstract. The Commission of European Contract Law has been established to provide principles of contract law for the European Communities. These principles are intended to serve as guidelines for the institutions of the European Communities when they are in need of contract rules to govern issues which are not subject to national law. They will serve as a draft of a future European Code, the preparation of which has been advocated by the European Parliament in 1989. The principles may also help national courts who have to interpret the existing uniform or harmonized laws. They need a backbone of common principles to serve as a legal background for the interpretation of the uniform laws. Finally the principles may be useful for arbitrators in international commercial disputes. The arbitration are often in search of general principles of law which they prefer to national laws.

The Commission of European Contract Law is a non-governmental body of about 20 lawyers from the 12 EC-Countries. From 1982 till 1992 it has worked on questions concerning performance and non-performance (breach) of contracts. This first part of its work will be published in 1993. Presently the Commission is working at the questions concerning formation, validity, interpretation and asignment of contracts.
Comments on Schweinepanik from an English Perspective
Authors: Shaw Josephine
Published: April 2022

Abstract. The keeper of a vehicle is not liable for damage caused when animals are panicstricken as a result of the noise caused by an accident, where the risk which causes the damage is one which is principally incumbent upon the victim of the loss.

Zusammenfassung. Der Halter eines Kraftfahreugzes haftet nicht für Schäden, die durch Panikreaktionen bei Tieren infolge von Unfallgeräuschen ausgelöst werden, wenn sich in dem Schadensfall in erster Linie ein von dem Geschädigten selbst gesetztes Risiko verwirklicht. BGH, Urteil vom 2. Juli 1991 – VI ZR 6/91.
L’introduction de la Directive Communautaire du 25 juillet 1985 sur la responsabilité du fait des produits defectueux en droit italien
Authors: Verardi Carlo Maria
Published: April 2022

Abstract. The Italian Civil Code does not include any provisions dealing specifically with liability for detective products. Under Article 2043 of the Civil Code, anyone whose causes unlawful through wrongful or culpable conduct is obliged to pay compensation. The ‘Saiwa’ case (1964) marked an important change in the case law, when the Corte de Cassazione revised its position by introducing a presumption that the manufacturer was at fault. Two months before the expiry of the time period for implementation laid down in Article 19 of Directive 374/85, Italy adopted Presidential Decree No. 224 of May 25 1988, governing products liability. The decree correctly implements the content of the Directive, indeed it often uses the actual text of its provisions. Italy decided not to make use of the derogations provided for in the Directive. Consequently, Decree 224/88 does not set a limit on the liability of the manufacturer. Article 2 of the Decree sets out the categories of products which are not affected by the provisions: products of the soil, of stock-farming and of fisheries which have not been undergone initial processing. In addition, the rules provide a perfect definition of the idea of transformation. The development risks defence is included in the Decree. Incomprehensibly, Article 6, point E of the Decree uses, in place of the expression used in the Directive, the phrase ‘not permitted to consider the Directive defective’, which recalls the defence as it was formulated in the third and fourth drafts of the Directive. Almost five years after its entry into force, the Decree was first applied by a court. In July 1993, the Tribunal of Monza held that a manufacturer was obliged to make compensation for personal injury caused by a defective mountain bike. The judge affirmed that the consumer who suffered injury could legitimately expect the mountain bike to be particularly well constructed because it was advertised as a method of transport intended for use on mountains.
Volunti non fit injuria or contributory negligence? A comparative review of three football-cases
Authors: Adams Maurice
Published: April 2022

Abstract. In this case-review we look at three recent decisions in England, the Netherlands and Belgium respectively, concerning the tortious standard of care of football-players amongst each other. The fact-situations as well as a central doctrinal question were similar. In all three cases the question as to what the role of the defence Volenti Non Fit Injuria is, was at stake. It is submitted that there is no role for this concept. Applying Volenti is not logical. Either there is a standard of care or there is none. Also the plaintiff will be barred of any cause of action when Volenti is applied. Moreover, it is difficult in practice to distinguish between volenti and contributory neglicence, as well as between volenti and the standard of care. Employing volenti will have a confusing effect. Therefore, applying contributory negligence will be the best solution.

Résumé. Dans cette étude de cas particuliers, nous avons traité trois dCcisions recentes, respectivement en Angleterre, aux Pays-bas et en Belgique, concernant le devoir de dilligence entre des joueurs de football. Les situatios de fait, tout comme une question doctrinaire centrale étaient similaires. Dans les trois cas, la question centrale concernait le rôle de l’action en défense de Volenti Non Fit Injuria. I, a été déclaré qu’il n’y a pas de rôle pour ce concept. L’application de la notion de Volenti est en effet illogique. Ou bien il existe un devoir de diligence, ou bien il n’en existe pas. Aussi la construction de Volenti implique-t-elle que le demandant sera privé de moyen de droit. En outre, il se révèle très difficile en pratique de faire la distinction entre Volenti et négligence contributoire d’une part, et entre Volenti et le devoir de diligence d’autre part. L’emploi de la construction de Volenti entraîne une confusion. Pour ces raisons, l’emploi du concept de négligence contributoire est à préférer.

Zusamrnenfassung. In diesem Überblick über einzelne Fälle haben wir drei Entscheidungen in England, den Niederlanden und in Belgien beziehungsweise, hinsichtlich der gegenseitigen Sorgfaltspflicht von Fussballspielern betrachtet. Die Sachlage sowie eine zentrale Frage der Lehrmeinung waren ähnlich. In allen drie Fällen ging es um die Frage, welche Rolle das Konzept Volenti Non Fit Injuria in solchen Fallen zukommt. Es wird behauptet, dass dieses Konzept keine Rolle spielt. Die Anwendung von Volenti ist unlogisch. Entweder besteht eine Sorgfaltspflicht oder nicht. Auch werden der Klagepartei rechtliche Schritte untersagt wenn wir Volenti anwenden. Ausserdem ist es in der Praxis schwierig, zwischen Volenti und Mitver-schulden sowie zwischen Volenti und Sorgfaltspflicht zu unterscheiden. Der Gebrauch von Volenti würde Unklarheit zur Folge haben. Am besten wenden wir darum Mitverschulden an.
Astreinte, dwangsom und Zwangsgeld im Binnenmarkt
Authors: Remien Oliver
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Cour d’appel de Paris, Ire chambre C, 7.7.1992 (SARL Hugo Boss .I. Société BVBA Boss Invest) , D. 1992.I.R.226, sowie Arrondissementsrechtbank Haarlem 26.3.1991 und Gerechtshof Amsterdam 27.2.1992 (La Medicale Equipex S.A. .I. Farrnitalia u.a.), Ned.Jur. 1993 Nr. 452 S. 1596
La protection personnelle des malades mentaux dans les principaux droits européens
Authors: Pousson-Petit Jacqueline
Published: April 2022

Résumé.Cette étude apour objectif de retracer l’évolution juridique de la protection personnelle des malades mentaux en Europe.

Deux point principaux sont envisagés: la protection du patient psychiatrique et celle du malade mental, sujet de droit, dans sa vie privée et familale.

Une double comparaison est effectuée entre les différentes solutions d’une part et entre ces dernières et les normes internationales et européennes d’autre part.

Même si la Cour européenne des Droits de l’Homme a jouk un rôle unificateur considérable et provoqué des réformes en matière d’hospitalisation et de traitement il n’en demeure pas moins que des progrès seraient encore réalisables tels que l’interdiction absolue des expérimentations médicales, la réglementation des stérilisations. Des mesures complémentaires relatives au rnineur atteint de troubles mentaux devraient en outre être adoptées.

Quant au selon volet, les conclusions sont moins optimistes. Dans la plupart des droits l’idéologie ancienne fondée sur l’ordre public, la protection prioritaire des biens survit. Les techniques utilisées reflètent un manque de cohésion et de réflexion globale et synthétique. Des améliorations sont donc souhaitables. L’exemple de la loi allemande substituant l’assistance au régime d’incapacité antérieur pourrait servir de modèle.

Abstract. The aim of this study is to trace the development of the legal rules for the protection of mental patients in Europe.

Two principal issues are addressed: the protection of psychiatric patients as patients, and the protection of the mentally ill individual in his or her private and family life.

A double comparison is undertaken. On the one hand the different national solutions are compared, and on the other, these solutions are measured against the rules of international and European law.

Even if the European Court of Human Rights has played a considerable unifactory role, and has promoted reforms in relation to hospitalisation and treatment, it remains true that further progress is possible, such as a complete ban on medical experiments, and the regulation of sterilisation. Complementary measures concerned with less serious mental disturbances should also be adopted.

As to the likelihood that these wishes will be fulfilled, the picture is less optimistic. In most legal systems traditional patterns of thought based on public policy and the high priority given to the protection of property survive. The methods adopted reflect a lack of cohesion and of consideration of the problem in the round. Improvements are therefore to be desired. German law, which has replaced the former regime of incapacity with one of assistance, could serve as a model.
The Harmonisation of Family Law: Old and New Dilemmas
Authors: Antokolskaia Masha
Published: April 2022

Abstract: This article provides the reader with some introductory information on the newly established Commission on European Family Law (CEFL). Two important theoretical problems surrounding the harmonisation of family law are further discussed: the lack of capacity on the part of the European Union in the field of family law, and the so-called “cultural constraints” argument. Finally, two dilemmas of a more practical nature are addressed: the possibility of harmonising family law by means of binding law, and the thereto related potential of co-operation between the CEFL and the European Civil Code Project.
OGH (Austria), 14.März 2000Einseitige nachtrÄgliche änderung von AGB
Authors: Gräns Minna
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The decision of the Austrian Supreme Court adds to its case law that a general term of contract, according to which the debtor is liable to pay for the creditors costs of receipting and administrating payments, is not grossly unfair. The Supreme Court also states that the historical background and especially the so-called drafting guidelines (Gesetzesmaterialien) to a legal rule can be used as a source of interpretation only in so far as the wording of the rule is ambigious and further, that a legal norm, expressed only in the drafting guidelines, cannot be used as a means of interpretation when the legal rule does not even indicate the existence of such a norm.

Statements of principle:

a) The historical background of a legal rule and especially the drafting guidelines can be taken into consideration when interpreting the rule only in the case that (and if) the language of the rule is ambigious. A legal norm, which is not even indicated in the law, but only in the drafting guidelines, cannot become valid by means of interpretation.

b) When according to the law a unilateral change of general terms of contract (Allgemeine Geschäftsbedingungen, AGB) becomes valid only by proclamation in due course, a reference in the proclamation to the customers right to denounce the contract is not required.

c) The automatic bill paying system offers considerable advantages to all parties in comparison to the giro transfer and cheque.

d) A considerable disadvantage of the contractual partner is in the meaning of the Â§ 879 Abs 3 AGBG and in case of this kind of contractual formation not even then at stake when the debtor is liable to pay in settlement the reasonable costs of the creditor caused by the fact that the customer is not using the automatic bill paying system.
Oberster Gerichtshof (Austria), 25. Mai 1999 – “unlawFul life” Arzthaftung: zum Schadensersatzanspruch bei der Geburt eines behinderten Kindes
Authors: Sottiaux Stefan
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The Austrian judge was asked whether a court can award damages for the birth of an unwanted child. In the case the attending physicians failed to notice severe malformations of the foetus, which resulted in the birth of a disabled person. In its judgement the court laid out some general principles with regard to “wrongful birth” and “wrongful life” claims. It decided to award compensation for the expenses for the upbringing and education of a disabled child, and thus, to a certain extent, allowed the wrongful birth claim of the parents. This conclusion could be reached by referring to the legality of abortion under Austrian law. If the physicians would have noticed the malformations, a legally available abortion could have prevented the unwanted birth. On the other hand the court held that the birth of a healthy but unwanted person can never be the ground for a damage claim. It further established the principle that a child’s personal claim for damages, based on his unwanted existence as a disabled person, should be rejected. In this context the judgement determines that, “every human being has to accept his life in the way it has been given to him by nature”, and that “no one has the right to see his life destroyed by others”.

The judgement is analysed in the following comment from the perspective of Belgian law. See also the following judgement of the French Cour de Cassation and the case notes to this subject.
Iusta Causa Traditionis and its History in European Private Law
Authors: van Vliet Lars P.W.
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The causal and abstract transfer theories regarding the transfer of ownership and other real rights developed in the 19th century. Before this time, from the medieval glossators to the 18th century, there were no consistent transfer theories at all. Legal history shows that a middle position between abstract and causal is possible. This perspective may be important when harmonisation of European property law forces us to opt for a harmonised transfer system: the choice is not confined to either causal or abstract but may cover midway solutions as well.
Case Law and Comparative Law: Any Wider Lessons?
Authors: Markesinis Basil S.
Published: April 2022

Abstract: In this contribution to the 10th anniversary of the ERPL (Ghent 2003), the author develops a vision of how comparative law can work through cases. He gives examples of the way English Courts have resorted to foreign case law throughout the last decade, as is for instance illustrated by the Fairchild case. In his view, the use of foreign case law must be focused not diffuse and thus, have a practical aim. In addition, foreign law needs to be packaged in the proper way in order to make it both interesting and useful. He refutes the objection that this method may work for the common law, but not for continental systems. Finally, he illustrates the impact of foreign law on law reform projects with the example of Germany.
Wills, Divorce and the Fate of the Dispositions in Favour of the Spouse: A Common Trend in European Laws of Succession.
Authors: Vaquer Antoni
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Some European laws of succession have a provision dealing with the effects of judicial separation, divorce and annulment of marriage on wills. This article compares those provisions and stresses a common trend alien to any intervention of a supranational legislator. Even though the approaches in each system of law are not the same, all of them establish the ineffectiveness of any disposition in favour of the spouse made in the will. Another possible common principle of the law of succession in Europe is thus outlined.
The UNIDROIT Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment: a Belgian Perspective.
Authors: Sagaert Vincent
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Despite the major crisis in Belgian aircraft industry, Belgium has not signed the UNIDROIT Convention on International Interest so far. This contribution analyses the traditional financing techniques which are used within this industry according to national Belgian law, and the compatibility of the Convention with the concepts of Belgian security and finance law. The contribution entails the conclusion that there are no decisive points of incompatibility between the Convention and the system of Belgian law. Hence, it is highly recommendable that Belgian government assumes the economic benefits of the Convention and takes the necessary steps in view of the implementation of the Convention for Belgian aircraft industry.
The Contractual Clause: In Search of a Definition
Authors: Sicchiero Gianluca
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Civil acts and scholars do not deal with the definition of contractual clause. We can have two different meanings for it. According to a formal definition, a clause is any part of a contract. According to a substantial definition, a clause is any statement that produces a legal effect. As explained in the text, the substantial definition is to be preferred: it allows us to face the problem of partial nullity and contract preservation.
Cass. Ass. Plénière, 13 décembre 2002, Bull. civ. AP, No. 3, J.C.P. G 2003 II, 10010 - Parental liability for the acts of their child
Authors: Wagner Gerhard , Venchiarutti Angelo , Ribot Jordi , Lavrijssen Noortje , Van Boom Willem H. , Hirsch Susanna , Oliphant Ken , Solé Josep , Frizberg Theresa
Published: April 2022

On 13 December 2002, the plenary Assembly of the French Supreme Court ruled upon two cases related to parents? liability on actions of their minor children (Bull. Ass. Plen., No. 3 and No. 4, D. 2003, 231, note P. Jourdain). This was the opportunity for the Court to assert again that ?in order to seek for the rightful liability of father and mother who have parental responsibility for a minor living with them, it is enough that the damage put forward by the victim is directly caused, even when not at fault, by the minor; and that only force majeure or the victim?s fault can exempt the father and mother from this liability?.

Actual circumstances under which these cases have been ruled are very common. In the first case, during a sport training class, a minor fell, loosing his balance, on one of his classmates, kicking him at the head. In the second case, during an improvised rugby game between teenagers, one of them was wounded, while standing up again, by the fall of the player holding the ball, the fall of the latter being caused by the tackle of a third player.
Reinhard Zimmermann, Roman Law, Contemporary Law, European Law - The Civilian Tradition Today, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2001, 197 pp, ISBN 0-19-829913-3
Authors: Lerner Pablo
Published: April 2022

Prof. Reinhard Zimmermann is one of the most outstanding European jurists today. His prolific work is well known, and his book The Law of Obligations is an indispensable reference for all those interested in the evolution of European private law. Prof. Zimmermann?s book, Roman Law, Contemporary Law, European Law, written with remarkable clarity and depth of knowledge, is composed of three essays based on lectures given by the author in Cambridge in 1999. The first essay deals with the transformation of German scholarship regarding Roman law, and the relinquishing of Roman law as ground for the theory of law. In the second essay, Zimmermann carries us through the transition from civil law to codification in Germany, showing that the influence of the BGB on private German law was less dramatic that it has been regarded. The final chapter is dedicated to what he calls the historical foundation of European law, where he discusses the place of the different legal traditions in the formation of a new (unified) European Law.
Cour de Cassation (France) 3 juillet 2002 - Damages for occupation of an immovable: ’culpa in contrahendo’ and unjustified enrichment under French and Spanish law
Authors: Parra María Angeles , Asín Asunción
Published: April 2022

In this decision (Third Civil Division, 3 July 2002 RTD civ. 2002, 804 with ann. By Mestre and Fages) the French Supreme Court (Cour de Cassation) for the first time ruled that, in the case of negotiations for the sale of a building, the mere fact that one of the parties occupied the premises during these negotiations, even if this was with the owner?s consent, renders that party liable for payment of occupancy rent. This cannot be altered by the circumstance that the parties had abandoned their original plan by common consent or that liability for the fact that the contract did not come about cannot be specifically attributed to either of the parties.
The Position of Family Sureties within the Framework of Protection for Consumer Debtors in European Union Member States
Authors: Parry Rebecca
Published: April 2022

Different approaches to the protection of sureties are currently taken in the European Union member states. A consideration of these different levels of protection requires an examination of social welfare law, contract law and bankruptcy law. This consideration is important because different approaches to surety protection represent potential barriers to the integration of the credit market, as envisaged under the draft Directive on consumer credit. The draft Directive may eliminate some of these barriers, but not others. In addition the Directive also has the potential to bring other, negative, consequences. If the Directive is successful it may have a significant impact on the level of over-indebtedness among consumers and, consequently, there will be a need to monitor the adequacy of consumer bankruptcy laws in the member states, in particular in light of any changes to the social welfare systems in operation.
Reflections on the EC’s Competence to Develop a ’European Contract Law’
Authors: Weatherill Stephen
Published: April 2022

Does the EC have competence to legislate in the field of contract law? This paper demonstrates that there are ambiguities to be confronted, especially in the wake of the treatment of the permissible scope of legislative harmonisation by the Court in its Tobacco Advertising judgment (Case C-376/98). The paper tracks the Commission?s evident preference to avoid plunging into the ?competence question? in its contract law documentation of 2001, 2003 and 2004. It finds such caution to be entirely understandable, though the matter remains of lurking significance in the development of European contract law.
Schweizerisches Bundesgericht, Urteil vom 16.10.2003, 5C.109/2003/rov ? Zum Anspruch des Scheinvaters auf Erstattung geleisteten Kindesunterhalts gegen den leiblichen Vater aus
Authors: Forder Caroline , Linke Bernd , Clive Eric
Published: April 2022

From mid 1980 to the spring of 1982 the Plaintiff and X lived in cohabitation. X gave birth to a child in July 1980, which was recognized by the Plaintiff as his child. Subsequently, the Plaintiff paid maintenance to the child and continued to do so after the cohabitees separated. Upon attaining the age of majority, the child commenced proceedings with the aim of establishing that the Plaintiff was no this father, but that the Defendant was. Following a DNA-test establishing that the Defendant was indeed the biological father, the Defendant assumed, with retrospective effect back to March 2000, the obligation to pay maintenance. In November 2000 the Plaintiff brought an action in unjust enrichment against the Defendant in respect of those maintenance payments as to which the claim was not extinguished by the absolute limitation period. The previous courts upheld the claim, as did the Bundesgericht (Central Appeal Court).

According to the Bundesgericht, the rules of unjust enrichment are applicable to this case, since the Swiss Civil Code does not contain any special provisions on the repayment of child maintenance. Once the family law relationship between the Plaintiff and the child was terminated, Plaintiff?s obligation to pay maintenance consequently also extinguished retrospectively, and the Plaintiff was mistaken about the legal obligation to pay maintenance. In such a case, the man registered as legal father can sue the child, the mother and the begetter. It is irrelevant that, when suing the begetter, the claim is not brought against the recipient of the maintenance payments. In fact, the claim based on unjust enrichment does not require a direct movement of property between the claimant and the person alleged to have been unjustly enriched; what needs to be established is rather the enrichment which one person has gained at the cost of another person.
Wege zur Konkretisierung von Generalklauseln: Was leistet die deutsche Wissenschaft vom Europäischen Privatrecht? (Tagung am 29. April 2005)
Authors: Kunz Lena
Published: April 2022

Essentially, directives that base on detailed language as well as blanket clauses achieve the current progress in harmonization of Private Law. To the detriment of legal security, the enhanced vagueness of blanket clauses provides extensive flexibility to national courts for reaction to changing social needs. Indeed, their indefinite language facilitates the unification of the different European Private Law systems. Nonetheless, varied interpretation of blanket clauses ? although a unique chance ? may undermine the setting of a legal framework and entails the risk of unilateral reception of approaches of one favoured Private Law system. For that reason, it is necessary to find a way of application of blanket clauses without putting the harmonization of Private Law in Europe at risk. Facing this situation and subsequent to an inaugural lecture on methodology of EC Private Law, a conference in Heidelberg discussed about blanket clauses in the process of harmonization of European Private Law and the role of German jurisprudence therein.

Summarizing and taking into account the present shape of EC Private Law harmonization, the conference allowed to question the suitability of blanket clauses as an instrument of harmonization. However, deeming the EC ready, the autonomous development of case patterns was proposed as a methodically acceptable way to interpret blanket clauses.

Rejecting case patterns as too inflexible, guidelines for interpretation were alternatively suggested as an adequate way of interpretation. Moreover, German jurisprudence was criticized for its minor interest in the dialogue with other European Private Law systems.
Invalidity of Contract under the Principles of European Contract Law and under Italian Law: A Question of ’Dynamic Convergence’?
Authors: Iamiceli Paola
Published: April 2022

Through a brief comparison between the Principles of European Contract Law and Italian law on invalidity of contracts, the Author questions whether some material divergences between the two systems can be better examined in the light of an evolutionary pattern of Italian law as influenced by the harmonization process, especially derived from the implementation of European Community directives. This analysis will conclude that some divergences are reduced during the (continuous) process of dynamic convergence, also fostered by the impact of the European Community intervention at national level; by contrast, other forms of divergence seem to suggest a different dynamism, challenging the position that the converging elements are the ones set out by the Principles.
The Meaning of ’Unjust’ in the English Law of Unjust Enrichment
Authors: Edelman James
Published: April 2022

In 1991 the House of Lords conclusively recognized the existence of the law of unjust enrichment in England and Wales. So began a process of development and refinement that in other branches of private law had begun many decades ago. A central issue was what it was that made an enrichment ?unjust?. In a groundbreaking work in 1985, Professor Birks had argued that the reasons why an enrichment was unjust were protean. He explained that the approach to ?unjust? which was most consistent with the corpus of pre-existing case law required the identification of an ?unjust factor? which had been recognized in judicial decisions. After 1991 many cases followed this approach and recognized, as unjust factors, diverse reasons for restitution which had long existed in the corpus of case law such as mistake, duress, failure of consideration as well as new unjust factors. In his last book in 2003, Professor Birks relied upon a group of cases involving restitution following ultra vires interest rate swaps and argued that English law had changed direction. The new direction, Birks argued, was to ask whether there was any basis upon which a recipient could retain an enrichment rather than looking for any particular, recognized, unjust factor. This article assesses the two views and concludes that whilst the meaning of unjust may not yet be entrenched in English law, and whilst the two approaches will usually lead to the same result, the dominant model is still the unjust factors approach and this is the model which should be preferred.
Abuse of a Relationship: Undue Influence in English Law and French Law
Authors: Bell Andrew P.
Published: April 2022

Abstract: This article compares the protection provided by English law and French law against the abuse of relationships where one party places trust and confidence in the other or is subject to the other’s authority. It focuses on the English law of undue influence as it applies to contracts, gifts inter vivos and testamentary gifts, and it identifies the functionally equivalent French rules, in particular those based on presumptions of suggestion and captation. The first part of the article looks at the problem at a general level, while the second concentrates on the treatment of particular relationships (parent and child and analogous cases, sexual relationships and religious relationships). The study notes some common ground and common heritage, but sheds light equally on the distinctive strategies of the two legal systems and highlights the impact of the different social contexts.

Résumé: Cet article étudie de façon comparative la protection que fournissent le droit anglais et le droit français contre l’abus des relations où l’une des parties met confiance en l’autre ou est soumise à son autorité. L’étude traite de undue influence en droit anglais dans son application aux contrats et aux libéralités, et elle découvre les règles en droit français qui y sont équivalentes du point de vue fonctionel, notamment celles qui se reposent sur une présomption de suggestion et de captation. La première partie de l’article envisage la matière sur le plan général, alors que la deuxième partie considère des relations spécifiques (parent et enfant et cas semblables, relations sexuelles et relations religieuses). L’étude note des traits et un héritage communs, mais elle éclaire également les stratégies distinctives des deux droits et souligne l’influence des contextes sociaux différents.

Zusammenfassung: Dieser Aufsatz vergleicht, wie das englishe Recht und das franzözische Recht Schutz gegen Mißbrauch eines Verhältnis zwischen zwei Personen bieten, wo die eine der anderen vertraut oder wo die eine Macht über der anderen hat. Er behandelt undue influence im englischen Recht und seine Anwendung auf Verträge, Schenkungen und Testamente, und er untersucht die funktional entsprechende Regeln im franzözischen Recht, besonders diejenigen, die auf einer Vermutung von suggestion und captation beruhen. Das erste Teil dieses Aufsatzes stellt eine Gesamtübersicht des Faches dar, wohingegen das zweite Teil besondere Verhältnisse behandelt (Elternteil und Kind und ähnliche Fälle, sexuelle Verhältnisse und Verhältnisse zwischen Gläubigen). Die Studie bemerkt Gemeinsamkeiten und eine gemeinsame Erbschaft, aber erhellt die unterscheidenden Strategien der beiden Rechtsordnungen und hebt den Einfluß der verschiedenen Gesellschaftszusammenhänge hervor.
Privatrechtlicher Diskriminierungsschutz als Grundsatz im Gemeinsamen Referenzrahmen für Europäisches Vertragsrecht
Authors: Anna Berger Victoria
Published: April 2022

Zusammenfassung: Der Beitrag befasst sich mit der geplanten Aufnahme eines Grundsatzes der Nichtdiskriminierung in den Gemeinsamen Referenzrahmen für Europäisches Vertragsrecht. Anker und Ausgangspunkt für die Frage nach dessen möglicher Ausgestaltung soll neben den Antidiskriminierungsrichtlinien der Europäischen Gemeinschaft sowie den Acquis Principles (ACQP) das entsprechende Kapitel des Anfang 2008 erschienenen Draft Common Frame of Reference (DCFR) sein. Als akademischer Entwurf stellt der DCFR die maßgebliche Vorarbeit auf dem Weg zu einem zukünftigen ?politischen“ Gemeinsamen Referenzrahmen dar, den die Europäische Kommission bis zum Jahre 2009 erarbeiten möchte; er nimmt Nichtdiskriminierung als grundlegendes Prinzip des europäischen Privatrechts auf und sieht vor, den Grundsatz als vertragliche Pflicht, nicht zu diskriminieren sowie in Bestimmungen zu deren Durchsetzung (Rechtsbehelfe,Beweislast) zu konkretisieren

Die Arbeiten am Gemeinsamen Referenzrahmen sollen den Weg weisen zu einem Europäischen Vertragsrecht, welches sich für die Zukunft als eigenes Rechtsgebiet etabliert.Unter den Begriff europäisches Vertragsrecht können jedoch bis dato allgemein die vertragsrechtlich relevanten Normen und Regelungen gefasst werden, die sich aus den von der Europäischen Kommission für den Gemeinsamen Referenzrahmen genannten Basisquellen – den geltenden nationalen Rechtsordnungen sowie dem vorhandenen EG–Besitzstand – ergeben. Vor diesem Hintergrund stellt der Beitrag umfassend die Entwicklung des Diskriminierungsschutzes im Europarecht und insbesondere im europäischen Vertragsrecht dar, die im ?politischen“ Common Frame of Reference einen weiteren Hochpunkt erfahren könnte
Rights Through Torts: The Rise of a Rights Discourse in Swedish Tort Law
Authors: Schultz Mårten
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Swedish courts have taken a revolutionary step towards a new paradigm of rights in Swedish law. In only a few years, the discourse of fundamental rights and freedoms has gone from being perceived as obscure, irrational, and unfit for practical law to being an important factor in practical law. This transition has been surprisingly smooth, considering the long lasting scepticism towards rights arguments in Swedish law, and the reason for this is that the development has taken place in private law, more specifically tort law, which is less politically sensitive than constitutional law reforms.

Résumé : Les cours suédoises ont fait un pas révolutionnaire envers un nouveau des droits en droit suédois. En l’espace de quelques années, le discours sur les droits et libertés fondamentales, d’abord perçu comme obscur, irrationnel et non approprié au droit en pratique, est désormais considéré comme un facteur important. Cette transition s’est effectuée en douceur après une longue période de scepticisme envers les droits fondamentaux en droit suédois. Cela s’explique par cette évolution effectuée au sein du droit privé, plus spécifiquement en droit de la responsabilité, qui est moins sensible politiquement que les réformes en droit constitutionnel.

Zusammenfassung: Die schwedischen Gerichte haben einen revolutionären Schritt aufein neues Paradigma der Rechte im schwedischen Recht genommen. Innerhalb weniger Jahre entwickelte sich die Diskussion über Grundrechte und Freiheiten, die zunächst durch die juristische Praxis als undurchsichtig, irrational und unpassend wahrgenommen wurde, zu einem wichtigen Faktor in der praktischen Rechtsanwendung. Dieser Übergang verlief überraschenderweise sehr reibungslos, wenn man die langwierigen Zweifel an den rechtlichen Argumenten im schwedischen Recht berücksichtigt. Der Grund hierfür ist, dass diese Entwicklung im Rahmen des Zivilrechts, insbesondere im Haftungsrecht, stattgefunden hat, das politisch weniger sensibel ist als eine verfassungsrechtliche Reform.
The Legal Power
Authors: Cantin Cumyn Madeleine
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Positive law, as presented in scholarship and in jurisprudence, rarely addresses the concept of the legal power. When the term ‘power’ does appear, its scope is limited: it serves as a mere synonym for capacity or competence or to define an individual right. However, the Civil Code of Québec, through its codification of the rules governing the administration of the property of others, reveals the power to be an independent category, distinct from the right. It is a prerogative granted in order to achieve a purpose. The concept of the power justifies a specific regime governing its exercise and specific remedies that sustain it. The category of the power, furthermore, has a scope of application that extends well beyond the administration of the property of others.

The development of a general theory of the private power, for which the Title on the Administration of the Property of Others represents a first step, is a useful response to criticisms levelled against rights-centric theories. It also provides a framework for considering which interventions may legitimately be made by one person in the juridical sphere of another.
The Structure of the Law on Multiparty-Situations in the 2009 Draft Common Frame of Reference
Authors: Storme Matthias E.
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACT: This article tries to analyse in a comparative manner the Draft Common Frame of Reference (DCFR) 2009 rules relating to various types of multiparty situations in the law of obligations. It analyses more specifically the structure of the legal relationships in case of representation, stipulation in favour of a third party, assignment, (personal) subrogation, and some other situations that can be seen as situations with a change on the side of the creditor. Attention is given especially to the question on how the three single relationships relate to each other, including the defences of the parties, as well as to the relationship between the proprietary and the obligational aspect of the relationship. The third part deals with situations where a new or additional debtor enters into the relationship, and again more specifically with the question on how the three single relationships relate to each other, including the defences of the parties (in these relationships, there are no relevant questions of property law). The analysis shows that the DCFR 2009 has rather coherent rules as to the multiparty relationships it expressly covers and is not yet fully developed as to some other similar relationships. The ‘product’ is benefiting highly from the fact that the contract has been replaced by the obligational relationship as central category and that both are clearly distinguished. The distinction between the proprietary and obligational aspects is fairly developed but could have been clearer.

RÉSUMÉ: Cet article tente d’analyser de manière comparée les règles du Draft Common Frame of Reference (DCFR) 2009 concernant les différentes situations multi-parties en droit des obligations. Il analyse plus spécialement la structure des relations juridiques en cas de représentation, stipulation en faveur d’autrui, cession de créance, subrogation (personnelle) et quelques autres situations qui peuvent être comprises comme situations de changement concernant le créancier. L’article examine comment les trois relations bipartites interagissent entre eux, y compris la question des exceptions que les parties peuvent invoquer, ainsi que la relation entre les aspects du droit des biens (la créance comme propriété). L’analyse montre que le DCFR 2009 a des règles expresses assez cohérentes concernant les situations tripartites ; il n’est pas encore pleinement développé s’agissant d’autres situations. Le ‘produit’ a bénéficié énormément du fait que le contrat a été remplacé comme catégorie centrale par celle de relation juridique (obligationnelle) et que ces deux notions sont bien distinguées. La distinction entre les aspects du droit des obligations et ceux du droit des biens est relativement bien développée, mais aurait pu être encore plus claire.
Article III.3:302 DCFR on the Right to Enforced Performance of Non-monetary Obligations: An Improvement – Albeit Imperfect – Compared with Article 9:102 PECL
Authors: Van Kogelenberg Martijn
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACT: The Draft Common Frame of Reference (DCFR, Interim Outline Edition 2008) contains a provision concerning the right to enforced performance of non-monetary obligations (Article III.3:302 DCFR). This provision is the successor of Article 9:102 of the Principles of European Contract Law (PECL) and it is quite different. The leading question in this article concerns whether the DCFR provision on the right to enforced performance is an improvement compared with that of the PECL, in the sense that it meets the objections raised by the author against the PECL provision. First, the content of Article 9:102 PECL provision will be outlined briefly. Second, the PECL provision will be evaluated, and three objections will be raised against it; one concerns the terminology used in the provision, the second concerns the absence of a link with procedural law, and the third concerns the substance of the provision as a somewhat unfortunate compromise. Third, the question of whether the new DCFR provision eliminates the objections will be answered. The conclusion is that the DCFR provision is an improvement compared with that of the PECL. However, on a terminological level, the author suggests a few modifications. Furthermore, the author criticizes the apparent lack of attention for procedural law.

ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Der Draft Common Frame of Reference (DCFR, Interim Outline Edition 2008) enthält eine Bestimmung über das Recht, die Erfüllung eines nicht auf eine Geldforderung gerichteten Anspruchs zu erzwingen (Artikel III.3:302 DCFR). Diese Vorschrift ist der Nachfolger von Artikel 9:102 PECL und enthält durchaus Unterschiede. Die entscheidende Frage dieses Beitrags ist, ob die in der DCFR enthaltene Bestimmung über das Recht, der Erfüllung zu erzwingen, im Vergleich zu der Bestimmung der PECL eine Verbesserung der Rechtslage dahingehend darstellt, dass sie die durch den Verfasser gegen die Vorschrift der PECL geäußerten wegräumt. Aus diesem Grund erfolgt zum ersten eine Darstellung des Artikels 9:102 PECL. Zum zweiten wird eine Beurteilung der PECL Vorschrift vorgenommen, und es werden drei Kritikpunkte gegen diese Bestimmung geäußert, wobei der erste die in dieser Vorschrift verwendete Terminologie, der zweite die mangelnde Verbindung zum Verfahrensrecht und der dritte den Inhalt dieser Norm betrifft, der als ein etwas unglücklicher Kompromiss angesehen werden kann. Zum Dritten wird die Frage beantwortet, ob die neue, in der DCFR enthaltene Bestimmung die Kritikpunkte ausräumen kann. Die Schlussfolgerung dieses Beitrags ist, dass die in der DCFR enthaltene Bestimmung im Vergleich zu der Vorschrift der PECL eine Verbesserung darstellt. Allerdings stellt der Verfasser im Hinblick auf einige Begrifflichkeiten einige Änderungsvorschläge vor. Darüber hinaus bemängelt der Verfasser die fehlende Abstimmung mit dem Verfahrensrecht.
Financial Leasing unter der UNIDROIT-Convention on International Financial Leasing und dem Draft Common Frame of Reference: Eine vergleichende Analyse
Authors: Fötschl Andreas
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACT: The Draft Common Frame of Reference (DCFR) applies inter alia to financial leasing contracts. In a considerable number of Member States of the European Union, the UNIDROIT-Convention on International Financial Leasing (UCIFL) is in force. The present contribution examines the relationship between these two bodies of rules and the extent to which the rules of the Draft Common Frame of Reference are compatible with the UNIDROIT-Convention.

RÉSUMÉ : Le Draft Common Frame of Reference(DCFR) contient entre autres des dispositions en matière de crédit-bail. La Convention UNIDROIT sur le crédit-bail est en vigueur dans de nombreux pays membres de l’Union européenne. La présente contribution analyse la relation entre les deux ensembles de dispositions et s’efforce de vérifier dans quelle mesure les règles de la Convention UNIDROIT s’accordent avec les normes du Draft Common Frame of Reference applicables au crédit-bail.

ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Der Draft Common Frame of Reference (DCFR) regelt unter anderem den Finanzierungs-Leasingvertrag. Die UNIDROIT-Convention on International Financial Leasing (UCIFL) ist in zahlreichen Mitgliedsstaaten der Europäischen Union in Kraft. Der vorliegende Beitrag geht der Frage nach, in welcher Beziehung die beiden Regelwerke stehen und inwieweit die Regelungen der UNIDROIT-Convention mit den auf das Finanzierungsleasing anwendbaren Normen des Draft Common Frame of Reference übereinstimmen.