bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principles in Private Law: From Luxury to Necessity  Multi-layered Legal Systems and the Generative Force of Principles
Authors: Sieburgh Carla
Published: April 2022

Abstract: 'Iustitia est constans et perpetua voluntas ius suum cuique tribuens.' One of the ways to make 'iustitia' (justice) substantial is by using principles. Studying the role of principles in cases governed by various fields of law (e.g., private law and European Union law) makes clear that principles can play a role in two ways. The first is the role recognized in modern private law: principles functioning within a system with detailed rules and bringing as an extra to that system an interpreting, supplementing or derogating function. The second way can be discovered in European Union Law: the generative function of principles used out of necessity to build up a young system and to generate and develop rules in more detail. Cases governed by more layers of law, for example Angonese and Mangold, show that principles indeed may play a role different from the one they play in regular private law cases and that the landscape for the private law lawyer has been reshaped slightly and will be reshaped even more intensely. That being a fact, the question is how a private law lawyer is supposed to define his reaction to these developments, these facts? It is a question that is hardly stressed in the broad debate about multi layered law.

The aims of a private law contribution to European Union law in my view are (a) that private law gets integrated in European Union law by adjusting to the aims and principles of European Union law; (b) that it takes part in the process of development, refinement and sophistication of European Union law; (c) that it remains a smoothly functioning part of multi layered law; (d) that private law preserves its ability to give each one his due in a more or less predictable way; (e) that private law for that reason develops its function in supporting the effectiveness of European Union law and (f) that actors in European Union law (e.g., ECJ, legislator) be more aware of the impact of European Union law on private law and for that reason (g) take this impact into due consideration in judgments and provisions. To achieve these aims a two-way traffic between European Union law and private law must be established. The question is: how can private law lawyers, judges and scholars become involved? Which approaches should be chosen in case of confrontation of a field of law, private law, containing refined rules, with a field of law, European Union Law, containing less detailed rules and more concrete policies that do not specifically aim at private law relationships? In other words, which approaches should be taken when confronting a system that has developed into utmost refinement with a system that has started to be built up only a few decades ago. How can these parts of the law be bridged?
Human Rights as Regulae Iuris: An Inquiry into the Dialectics of Legality versus Legitimacy
Authors: Fortman Bas De Gaay
Published: April 2022

Abstract: This article discusses the role of human rights as general principles of law guiding judicial decision-making. After an introduction into the dialectics of legality versus legitimacy, it focuses on the Courts' need for public-political constituency that carries their judgments. It is in that context that the old regulae iuris have always played their part. Based on the overriding principle of universal human dignity human rights are conceived as modern rules of justice throwing light upon concrete cases. Although in terms of sheer legality their impact is rather trivial, a focus on legitimacy evidently enhances their impact. This is illustrated in regard to human rights in private law. In conclusion, a shift in emphasis from quasi-legal international procedures in semi-judicial UN Charter and Treaty bodies lacking any power to enforce their 'resolutions' and 'concluding observations', to human rights as general principles guiding judicial decision-making appears to be worth consideration.
The Cause of Member State Liability
Authors: Vehovec Marjeta Tomulic
Published: April 2022

Abstract: This article researches the problem of establishing causal link in Member State liability cases under European Union (EU) law. It tackles the presumption that the condition of direct causal link is left to national courts to determine. The author examines EU legal rules concerning the Member State liability and their interaction with national law. As an example of national law, the author examined German State liability law and those of its rules that are relevant for causation in Member State liability cases. The results show that the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union influences the establishment of the causal link before national courts in Member State liability cases.

Résumé: Le présent article traite du problème de l'établissement du lien causal dans des affaires de responsabilité d'un Etat membre en droit de l'UE. Il soulève la presumption selon laquelle il appartient aux cours et tribunaux nationaux de déterminer la condition du lien causal direct. L'auteur examine les règles du droit de l'UE concernant la responsabilité de l' Etat membre et leur interaction avec le droit national. A titre d'exemple de droit national, l'auteur analyse le droit de la responsabilité de l'Etat allemand et celles parmi ses règles qui s'appliquent au lien de causalité dans des cas de responsabilité d'un Etat membre. Les résultats indiquent que la jurisprudence de la Cour de Justice de l'Union européenne influence l'établissement du lien causal devant les cours et tribunaux nationaux dans des affaires de responsabilité d'un Etat membre.

Zusammenfassung: Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht die Frage der Feststellung des Kausalzusammenhangs in Fällen der Haftung von Mitgliedstaaten nach EU-Recht. Insbesondere wird diese Frage im Hinblick auf die Annahme, dass die Feststellung von der Voraussetzung des unmittelbaren Kausalzusammenhangs den nationalen Gerichten überlassen wird, analysiert. Die Autorin vergleicht EU-Rechtsvorschriften zur Haftung der Mitgliedstaaten mit den Vorschriften des nationalen Rechts. Als nationalrechtliches Beispiel führt sie deutsches Staatshaftungsrecht und für die Fälle der Haftung von Mitgliedstaaten maßgebende Vorschriften an. Aus der Analyse ergibt sich, dass die Rechtssprechung des Gerichtshofs der Europäischen Union die Feststellung des Kausalzusammenhangs in Fällen der Haftung von Mitgliedstaaten vor den nationalen Gerichten beeinflusst.
Wind Power, Ownership, and Neighbours
Authors: Lilleholt Kåre
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The paper presents a Norwegian Supreme Court case in which a farmer tried in vain to stop the development of a wind farm, arguing that the wind turbines would obstruct or reduce his own future use of the resources and that the wind park would cause unnecessary and unreasonable disadvantage on his property. The outcome confirms the impression given in several earlier cases that the Supreme Court leaves it to the legislator to develop the law concerning rights to exploit natural resources.

Résumé : Cette note analyse un contentieux porté devant la Cour suprême Norvégienne, où un agriculteur tenta en vain de mettre un terme au développement d'une ferme d'éolienne. Il argua que les éoliennes réduiraient, voire empêcheraient, sa proper utilization future du vent, ainsi que de conséquences excessives et déraisonnables que subiraient sa propriété. L'issue de ce litige confirme l'impression donnée par plusieurs décisions précédentes : la Cour suprême laisse au législateur le soin de développer de nouvelles lois relatives au droit d'exploitation des ressources naturelles.

Zusammenfassung: Der Beitrag erläutert die Entscheidung des höchsten norwegischen Gerichts in einem Fall, bei dem ein Landwirt ohne Erfolg versuchte, den Ausbau eines Windparks zu verhindern. Er berief sich darauf, dass die Windkraftanlagen seine eigene zukünftige Nutzung der Ressourcen behindern oder vermindern würden und dass der Windpark eine unnötige und unverhältnismäßige Beeinträchtigung seines Grundstücks verursachen würde. Die Entscheidung des höchsten Gerichts bestätigt den schon in einigen früheren Fällen entstandenen Eindruck, dass es dem Gesetzgeber überlassen bleiben soll, Regelungen bezüglich der Rechte zur Nutzung von natürlichen Ressourcen zu treffen.
Norwegian Supreme Court: Norsk Retstidenda 2011
Authors: Norris William
Published: April 2022

Abstract: This article summarizes the main issues typically arising as regards the building and operation of onshore wind farms in the United Kingdom. It looks at both the planning process and the potential for a private law action, even though planning permission has been granted and a wind farm is operating within the conditions imposed by that process. The issues arising in a typical (and particular) private law action are considered.

Résumé: La présente note résume les principales questions qui se posent au sujet de la construction et la mise en opération de parcs d'éoliennes sur terre ferme au Royaume Uni. Il analyse á la fois le processus de planification et le potentiel d'une action en droit privé même si les permis de bâtir ont été garantis et les éoliennes sont opérantes dans les conditions imposées dans ce processus. L'article prend en considération les questions qui se posent dans une action type (et particuliére) en droit privé.

Zusammenfassung: Der vorliegende Beitrag fasst die zentralen Probleme, die in Großbritannien im Zusammenhang mit dem Bau und Betrieb von Windparks im Inland typischerweise aufkommen, zusammen. Er betrachtet dabei sowohl den Planungsprozess als auch das Potenzial für private Rechtsstreitigkeiten, auch für den Fall, dass eine Baugenehmigung erteilt wurde und der Windpark innerhalb der in diesem Zusammenhang beschlossenen Auflagen operiert. Die sich ergebenden Probleme eines typischen (aber auch speziellen) privaten Rechtsstreits werden berücksichtigt.
The DES Daughters in Spain: Liability for Damage Caused by the Exposure to a Defective Drug in Utero
Authors: Ruda Albert
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The present paper presents an analysis of the legal situation concerning claims for liability for damage caused by the exposure to a defective drug in utero from the point of view of Spanish law. In contrast with other jurisdictions, proof of the causal link between such exposure and damage has not been a major hurdle for liability to be established. However, doubts as to the applicability of the development risk defence have been raised before the Spanish courts. Moreover, claims have been filed against the producer as well as the public authorities. At any rate, the number of claims is very small.
Information Duties in the Internet Era: Case Note on Content Services Ltd v. Bundesarbeitkammer
Authors: Goanta Catalina
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The growth of the information society is enthusiastically embraced by the European Commission, which sees in the booming number of citizens purchasing goods online a strengthening of the internal market by way of an increase of cross-border trade. As is well known, contracts through which consumers buy products or demand services from traders that are not in their physical vicinity are considered to be distance contracts and are thus regulated by the Distance Selling Directive (DSD). Ironically, the DSD was not drafted with e-commerce in mind, which is understandable as the initial proposal dates from 1992. However, it was only adopted in 1997, and the fact that it still makes reference to decrepit distance communication techniques such as videophone and videotext, while failing to mention the internet even once, poses questions about its suitability to meet the technological progress of the last decade. An accurate illustration of this problem can be found in the 2012 Content Services Ltd v. Bundesarbeitskammer case. The analysis focused on determining whether sending a link via e-mail would meet the requirements of Article 5(1) of the DSD, which requires that the consumer receives or is given written confirmation of the relevant information or confirmation on another durable medium available.

Résumé: La croissance de la société de l'information est accueillie avec enthousiasme par la Commission européenne, qui voit dans le nombre en plein essor des citoyens qui achètent des biens en ligne un renforcement du marché intérieur par le biais d'une augmentation de commerce transfrontalier. Comme c'est bien connu, les contrats par lesquels les consommateurs achètent des produits ou demandent des services des commerçants qui ne sont pas dans leur voisinage physique sont considérés comme des contrats à distance, et sont donc réglementés par la Directive concernant la protection des consommateurs en matière de contrats à distance (DSD). Ironiquement, la Directive sur la vente à distance n'a pas été rédigée avec l'e-commerce à l'esprit, parce que la proposition originale est daté 1992. Cependant, il n'a été adopté qu'en 1997, et le fait qu'il fait encore référence à techniques décrépit de communication à distance telles que la visiophone et le vidéotexte, tout en omettant de mentionner l'Internet même une fois, pose des questions sur son justesse en répondre à l'évolution technologique de la dernière décennie. Une illustration exacte de ce problème peut être trouvée dans le Content Services cas. L'analyse vise à déterminer si l'envoi d'un lien par e-mail répond aux exigences de l'article 5 (1) de la DSD, qui exige que le consommateur reçoit ou est fournie une confirmation écrite des informations pertinentes ou la confirmation sur un autre support durable à sa disposition.
The Law Commissions 2012 Issues Paper on Unfair Terms: Subverting the System of Europeanized Private Law?
Authors: Kenny Mel
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The UK approach to the demarcation of the unfairness assessment, as between exempted 'core' or 'price' terms and assessable 'peripheral' and/or contingent terms, under the Directive 93/13/EEC on Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts (UTD), as implemented in the 1999 Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations (UTCCR), has appeared in disarray following Abbey National. Hence, while the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) seeks to introduce a new Consumer Rights Bill, the Law Commissions were asked to clarify unfair terms' law. This paper evaluates the Law Commissions' resulting 2012 Issues Paper 'Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts: A New Approach' (hereinafter '2012 Issues Paper'), placing the unfairness exemption in its disjointed, 'Europeanized' context (section 2), attention then turns to Abbey National and the UTD/UTCCR interplay (section 3). The Law Commissions' 2012 Issues Paper, championing the need to correct the reach of the UTCCR, is then analysed (section 4). Finally, the paper turns to the implications of the 2012 Issues Paper (section 5).

Résumé: L'approche du Royaume Uni concernant la distinction de l'appréciation du caractère abusif, entre les clauses sur 'l'objet' ou 'le prix', exclues et les clauses 'accessoires' et/ou occasionnelles, appréciables, selon la Directive 93/13/EEC sur les clauses contractuelles abusives (UTD), transposée dans la Loi de 1999 sur les clauses contractuelles abusives (UTCCR) est apparue comme prêtant à confusion selon Abbey National. Par conséquent, tandis que le Ministère britannique des Entreprises, des Compétences Economiques et de l'Innovation cherche à introduire une nouvelle Loi sur les Droits du Consommateur, les Commissions de Loi ont été chargées de clarifier la loi sur les clauses contractuelles abusives. Cet article évalue les résultats des documents de travail de 2012 des Commissions de Loi, plaçant l'exemption pour caractère abusif dans son contexte incohérent, 'européanisé (section 2), l'attention se tourne alors vers Abbey National et l'interaction UTD/UTCCR (section 3). Le Document de travail de 2012 des Commissions de Loi, promouvant le besoin de corriger la portée de l'UTCCR, est analysé à la section 4. Enfin, l'article traite des implications du Document de travail 2012 (section 5).
Why Europe Needs a Civil Code
Authors: Collins Hugh
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Arguments in favour of the creation of a civil code for the European Union are usually framed in terms of the internal market agenda, which seeks to remove real or supposed obstructions to trade, such as the diversity of national laws. Although those arguments for a European civil code are found inadequate and to some extent misconceived, a different reason for the creation of a civil code consisting of principles rather than detailed rules is advanced, based on the idea that Europe needs to construct a transnational civil society that will provide the foundations for greater political solidarity between the peoples of Europe and thereby legitimate more effective transnational institutions of governance.

Does the European Union need a civil code? Like a dark cloud, this question hovers over debates about the future of private law in Europe. Few advocate explicitly the adoption of a civil code in the immediate future, yet many have taken instrumental steps along a road that seems to lead only in that direction. Those steps - whether they be in the task of discovering common core of principles of private law among national legal systems1 or producing a systematic body of principles such as the Principles of European Contract Law2 and the Draft Common Frame of Reference of rules and principles for the law of obligations3 or augmenting the scope of directives to include more and more types of transactions - all have the same direction of travel towards a comprehensive European set of rules governing contracts and related legal obligations. Although these efforts are fascinating intellectual ventures and may prove useful for some purposes, it is important to ask whether the European Union really needs to go on this journey towards a civil code.
The Protection of Ownership of Goods in the DCFR: An Exclusion Strategy at the Core of European Property Law?
Authors: Mezzanotte Francesco
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Book VIII of the Draft Common Frame of Reference (DCFR), formally dedicated to the 'Acquisition and Loss of Ownership of Goods', also sets out model rules for protection of ownership of goods, providing owners of movables with the right to prevent others from taking them away (rei vindicatio) or from exercising any interference with their proprietary interests (actio negatoria). While consistent with the continental roots of property law, this model of defence is, to a certain extent, unknown in the evolved tradition of personal property in common law. This article analyses the potential impact of the rules proposed by the drafters in the light of the overriding interests found at the core of the principles of European private law, aiming in particular to evaluate the impact that their underlying rationales may have on the development of a harmonized system of European property.

Résumé: Le livre VIII du Projet de Cadre commun de référence (DCFR), officiellement consacré à l«Acquisition et perte de la propriété des biens», énonce également des modèles de règles ayant pour objet la protection de la propriété des biens meubles, qui confèrent aux propriétaires le droit d'empêcher les tiers de s'en approprier (rei vindicatio) ou d'interférer avec leurs prérogatives (actio negatoria). Quoique compatible avec les racines continentales du droit de la propriété, ce modèle de protection est, dans une certaine mesure, inconnu dans la tradition de la personal property propre à la common law. L'article évalue l'impact potentiel des règles proposées par les rédacteurs à la lumière des intérêts portés par les principes du droit privé européen, en essayant en particulier de comprendre l'impact que les logiques sous-jacentes à ces règles peuvent avoir dans le processus d'harmonisation européenne de la propriété.
The Delivery Requirement in So-called Consensual Transfer Systems
Authors: Corral Julie Del
Published: April 2022

Abstract: This contribution contains a summary of the thesis that the author has defended at the Faculty of Law of the KU Leuven Kulak. The Belgian, as well as the French, transfer system is often presented to be consensual, meaning that the obligatory agreement not only gives rise to the existence of contractual rights and obligations, but also triggers the proprietary effects of the agreement (art. 1138 of the Civil Code). However, from a comparative, as well as from a historical, point of view, not the consensus, but the delivery requirement seems to be essential for the transfer of movable corporeal goods. The author examines the possible existence of such a delivery requirement in the Belgian transfer system of movable corporeal goods, considering some exceptions, such as the so-called "retention of ownership clause", where the obligatory agreement and the transfer of property rights are separated from one another, and the "double sale" where the person who has first been given possession will prevail and will be considered as owner of the movable corporeal good, at the requirement that his possession is in good faith (art. 1141 of the Civil Code). In other words, the author examines the question of whether the transfer of movable corporeal goods (still) requires a delivery act under Belgian law and thus to what extent the Belgian transfer system lends itself to European harmonization.

Résumé: Cet article concerne un résumé de la thèse de doctorat que l'auteur a défendu à la Faculté de Droit de la KU Leuven Kulak. Tant d'un point de vue historique, que d'un point de vue comparatif, le système belge (ainsi que le système français) de transfert des droit réels de biens meubles corporels occupe une position unique: le simple contrat obligatoire entraîne le transfert d'un droit réel (art. 1138 du Code civil). Le législateur semble avoir porté préjudice à ce principe dans l'hypothèse d'une vente sous réserve de propriété où la propriété n'est pas transferee immédiatement au moment de la conclusion du contrat obligatoire, ainsi que, par exemple, dans l'hypothèse d'une double vente où on accorde la préférence à celui qui est mis en possession réelle de la chose, à condition qu'il soit de bonne foi (art. 1141 du Code civil). L'auteur examine dans quelle mesure le transfert de propriété des biens meubles corporels nécessite (encore) un acte de livraison en vertu du droit belge et dans quelle mesure le système belge se prête ainsi à une harmonisation européenne.
Liability for Defective Immovable Property: The Hammock Case in a Comparative Perspective
Authors: Oldenhuis Fokko T. , Colombi Ciacchi Aurelia
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Can joint owners of a defective property - or an immovable object thereon - hold each other non-contractually liable for injuries suffered as a result of the defect? This is a question that has substantial societal effects and requires a somewhat legal-political solution. In 2010, the Dutch Supreme Court (Hoge Raad) faced this exact dilemma in the Hammock case. Aside from examining that specific decision, this comparative law project ascertains how such a case would be resolved in six other European jurisdictions - Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, England, and Ireland. Is the solution reached in common law jurisdictions different than that in civil law jurisdictions? Or do completely divergent outcomes arise within similar legal systems? Will the outcome be different if the relevant rules are strict-based liability as opposed to fault-based liability? By contributing to this rather under-explored area of non-contractual liability law, this project sheds a welcome light on these questions. In doing so, it becomes evident that any legal-political solution to the Hammock scenario would entail ample debate among relevant academics and practitioners.
England and Wales
Authors: Giglio Francesco
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The paper offers the English perspective on the Dutch Hammock case. After an analysis of statutory and common law, particularly consumer protection and occupier's liability, the author comes to the conclusion that the victim would not be successful in an English court under the present scenario. Although it cannot be excluded that the English judiciary might follow its Dutch counterpart in the future, such drastic change seems quite improbable at present.
Early Termination of Consumer Contracts for the Leasing of Cars under Estonian and Norwegian Laws
Authors: Lilleholt Kåre , Kalamees Piia
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The article deals with the contractual liability of the consumer in cases where a contract for the leasing of a car has been terminated during the lease period because of non-performance of the consumer's obligations as a lessee under the contract. Under Estonian law, there are many Supreme Court cases in which the court has set aside contract terms concerning the procedure for calculating the expenses reimbursable to the lessor. Similar clauses in Norwegian leasing contracts have not led to litigation so far. Possible explanations for this difference may be found in the regulation of leasing contracts in the two countries and in the different approaches to control unfair terms in consumer contracts. Legal culture is deemed to be a less appropriate tool for analysis in a case like this. The authors suggest that it might be worth considering whether the rules on consumer leasing contracts should be harmonized at the European level.

Resumé: Cet article traite de la responsabilité contractuelle du consommateur quand un bailleur met prématurément fin à un contrat de leasing d'un véhicule pour cause de non performance des obligations contractuelles du preneur. En droit estonien, il existe de nombreuses décisions de la Cour Suprême dans lesquelles la Cour a annulé des clauses contractuelles concernant la procédure de calcul des frais remboursables au bailleur. En Norvège, ces mêmes clauses n'ont pas encore donné lieu à des litiges. Cette divergence pourrait s'expliquer par des différences dans la réglementation des contrats de leasing et dans le contrôle des clauses abusives dans les contrats de consommation. La culture juridique n'est pas forcément l'outil adapté à ce genre d'analyse. Les auteurs suggèrent qu'il serait intéressant d'envisager une harmonization au niveau européen des règles concernant les contrats de leasing conclus avec des consommateurs.

Zusammenfassung: Der vorliegende Artikel thematisiert die vertragliche Haftung des Leasingnehmers beim privaten Fahrzeugleasing, wenn der Leasingvertrag vorzeitig wegen Nichterfüllung vom Leasinggeber gekündigt wird. Zum estnischen Recht gibt es eine Reihe von Entscheidungen des obersten Gerichtshofs, in welchen es die Vertragsbedingungen über das Verfahren für die Berechnung der erstattungsfähigen Aufwendungen an den Leasinggeber für unzulässig erklärt hat. Vergleichbare Klauseln in norwegischen Leasingverträgen sind bisher gerichtlich nicht überprüft worden. Mögliche Gründe könnten zum einen in der unterschiedlichen Regulierung der Leasingverträge selbst zu finden sein, wie auch in den divergierenden Ansätzen unzulässige Klauseln in Verbraucherverträgen zu kontrollieren. Die Rechtskultur gilt als ein weniger geeignetes Instrument für die Analyse eines derartigen Falles. Die Autoren schlagen daher vor, dass es sinnvoll sein könnte zu prüfen, ob die Vorschriften über Verbraucherleasingverträge auf europäischer Ebene harmonisiert werden sollten.
Conformity of Goods, the Network Society, and the Ethical Consumer
Authors: Collins Hugh
Published: April 2022

Abstract: European contract law requires goods marketed to consumers to satisfy various standards such as to be fit for the purposes for which such goods are ordinarily used and to 'possess such qualities and performance capabilities as the buyer may expect' (Art. 100(g) Common European Sales Law (CESL)). Although the law tends to focus on the qualities of the goods in themselves, my question is whether the reasonable expectations of consumers include reference to the means of production up the supply chain and an expectation that the goods will not be produced through the use of labour that is employed under conditions that violate European Union (EU) labour laws, international labour standards, and human rights law. For instance, should consumers have the expectation that the clothes we purchase are not produced through child labour, or that the mobile phones we buy are not produced under working conditions that breach basic standards such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and EU rules on working time, or that the tomatoes we eat are not picked by labourers working under conditions of servitude contrary to Article 4 of the European Convention of Human Rights? If consumers have such expectations and EU contract law can protect them, the law may provide a vehicle for addressing some of the worst instances of labour exploitation worldwide.

Résumé: Le droit européen des contrats exige à propos des produits commercialisés pour les consommateurs qu'ils répondent à différents critères, notamment être adaptés aux buts pour lesquels ils sont ordinairement utilisés et 'avoir les qualités et performances que l'acheteur est en droit d'attendre' (DCEV article 100(g)). Alors que les textes légaux tendent à se concentrer sur les qualités intrinsèques des produits, je me pose la question de savoir si les attentes raisonnables des consommateurs incluent une référence aux moyens de production en amont de la chaîne d'approvisionnement et une présomption que les biens ne sont pas produits par un travail fourni dans des conditions contraires au droit du travail de l'UE, aux règles internationales du travail et des droits de l'homme. Par exemple, les consommateurs devraient-ils présumer que les vêtements que nous achetons ne sont pas produits par le travail exécuté par des enfants ou que les téléphones portables que nous acquérons ne sont pas produits dans des conditions de travail violant des normes fondamentales telles que les règles de l'OIT et de l'UE sur la durée du travail, ou que les tomates que nous mangeons ne sont pas cueillies par des personnes travaillant dans des conditions d'esclavage contraires à l'article 4 de la Convention européenne des droits de l'homme ? Si les consommateurs ont effectivement de telles attentes et si le droit européen des contrats peut les protéger, le droit peut fournir un moyen d'agir contre quelques-uns des pires exemples d'exploitation du travail dans le monde entier.
Contracts Contrary to Public Policy under English Law and Dutch Law: The Case of Agreements Affecting Matrimony
Authors: Mansoor Zeeshan
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Both English law and Dutch law contain general rules that result in the invalidity of contracts that conflict with morality or public policy. Working on the premise that each country has its own unique set of factors shaping public interests, this article highlights methodological aspects of identifying the extent to which convergences and divergences exist in the English and Dutch approaches towards the invalidity of contracts on grounds of public policy and good morals. Case patterns dealing with contracts affecting the institution of marriage under both English law and Dutch law are used as an example in this paper. They are analysed using a new methodology: the 'principle-policy clarification' methodology. Subsequently, the results are comparatively examined. The outcome reveals that English law and Dutch law converge to a significant degree as far as contracts affecting matrimony are concerned.

Résumé: Le droit anglais et le droit néerlandais contiennent tous deux des règles générales résultant dans la nullité des contrats contraires à la morale ou à l'ordre public. Partant du principe que chaque pays possède son propre ensemble de facteurs constituant des intérêts publics, cet article souligne les aspects méthodologiques permettant d'identifier l'étendue des convergences et divergences qui existent dans les approches anglaises et néerlandaises sur la nullité des contrats basée sur l'ordre public et les bonnes moeurs. L'article utilise à titre d'exemples des cas typiques de contrats touchant l'institution du mariage en droit anglais et en droit néerlandais. Ils sont analysés selon une nouvelle méthodologie : la méthodologie de la 'clarification de la politique du principe'. Les résultats sont ensuite examinés de manière comparative. L'issue révèle que, dans la mesure où sont concernés des contrats de mariage, le droit anglais et le droit néerlandais convergent jusqu'à un degré significatif.
The CJEU on Trial: Economic Mobility and Social Justice
Authors: Mccann Adam
Published: April 2022

Abstract: This article focuses on the re-regulatory nature of certain European economic freedoms and the subsequent effects on social justice. It examines contentious judgements delivered by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), wherein private economic arrangements and mobility affect core public goods (namely health care and education) and certain specified fundamental rights (such as the protection of human dignity, the right to family life, and the right to strike). The general critique that cross-border market transactions represent a de facto clash between solely private 'economic' interests and public 'social' considerations is rejected. Such a dichotomy is readily manipulated to evidence the CJEU's preference for a neo-liberal private law society - whereby core socializing characteristics of the welfare state are undermined to ensure market competition. This reinforces the biased rhetoric of a 'common interest' and fails to understand the raison d'etre behind the economic mobility provisions. Critical analysis requires a more holistic premise advanced by Kukovec, through which the question of a just balance is actually between individual 'freedoms' and 'limitations'. With this more balanced nuance, the compatibility of the controversial decisions with Böhm's ordo-liberal private law society may be observed - whereby market actors are afforded proportionate protection from both state actor interference (e.g., Elchinov, Watts, and Baumbast) and powerful non-state actor interference (e.g., Laval and Viking). This article does not promote the argument that all judgments by the CJEU in this regard are explicitly well motivated. The contrary may be said regarding a number of - now infamous - politically sensitive cases. Such methodological failure has contributed to fears of a neo-liberal driven union. However, and this is the crux of the matter, this does not mean that the substantive outcomes support these fears.
An American Perspective on the Works of Hugh Beale: The Legal Scholar as an Academic Lawyer
Authors: Dimatteo Larry A.
Published: April 2022

Abstract: This article analyses the work of Professor Hugh Beale. It reviews his scholarly publications to gain insight into his monumental work as an influential member of the English and Wales Law Commission, Lando Commission, as well as his work on the Draft Common Frame of Reference (DCFR) and Common European Sales Law (CESL). It also examines the role of the academic lawyer in reforming law, the theoretical-practical divide in legal scholarship, themes and purposes of Beale's work, the impact of Beale's work on American scholarship, and American scholarship's influence on Beale's work. It concludes that Beale's work aims at providing the tools for the development of a comparative or European interpretation of contract law whether at the regional or national law levels. In short, soft and hard law instruments, like the Principles of European Contract Law (PECL), DCFR, and CESL, are the foundation for bridging the divergences in common and civil law, and for the forging of a European meaning that transcends national borders. In the end, Hugh Beale's scholarly work and work in law reform is an example of the functional approach to legal scholarship and law reform - looking at things anew and seeing what works the best.
The Young and the Restless: CESL and the Rest of Member State Law
Authors: Storme Matthias E.
Published: April 2022

Abstract: This article deals with the (substantive) scope of the Common European Sales Law (CESL), what it regulates or does not regulate, and how it relates to the remaining national law. It explores more specifically the implications of the EU nature of the CESL, i.e., the consequences of the fact that it is (European) Union law and not just another kind of Convention for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) where you can opt for. Although, as CISG, it is part of domestic law, its position is, in many other respects, different mainly because CISG is not Union law and the CESL is. As Union law, the CESL Regulation takes precedence over - the rest of - national law. The question of whether the CESL is - validly - chosen by the parties is thus not determined by the remaining national law but by CESL itself. CESL displaces the rules of the otherwise applicable law insofar as the issue falls within the scope of CESL. The article tries to settle some demarcation issues in this regard. Further, it explores the possible effects of the principle of effectiveness or effet utile applied to CESL and possible implications of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Finally, it explores whether a duty to allow CESL in domestic contracts may follow from national constitutional law.
The Development of EU Property Law
Authors: Ramaekers Eveline
Published: April 2022

Abstract: European Union property law is a quickly developing field of law. By studying the European acquis communautaire we can see that the contours of a European system of property law have slowly been emerging through legislation that incorporates property law rules and terminology. However, at the moment, EU property law is still very fragmented and has for a long time not been rooted in any clear policy or legislative agenda. It is important to study and further develop this field of law because it is seriously out of step with the development of European contract law and because national rules of property law as they currently stand could and do cause hindrances to free movement within the European internal market. This article sketches the existing European legislation concerning property law and provides a proposal for its future development. It thereafter highlights the most recent developments in EU property law, showing that the European legislature, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), academics, and practitioners are all increasingly paying attention to this exciting and challenging new field of law.

Résumé: Le droit des biens de l'Union Européenne est une domaine de droit en développement rapide. En étudiant l'acquis communautaire Européen, on peut apercevoir que les contours d'une système Européenne de droit des biens ont émergés lentement dans législation incorporant des règles et termes du droit biens. Cependant, pour le moment, le droit des biens de l'UE reste profondément fragmenté, et n'est pas enracinée dans aucun agenda politique ou législatif clair. Il est important d'étudier et plus développer cette domaine de loi, car elle est gravement déphasée avec le développement du droit des obligations Européen, et des règles nationales du droit des biens existants causent des obstacles contre la mouvement libre dans le marché intérieur Européen. Cet article esquisse la législation Européenne concernant le droit des biens existant, et propose une scenario pour sa développement dans l'avenir. En plus, cet article met en proéminence les développements en droit des biens UE les plus récents, qui démontrent que la législature Européenne, le Cour de Justice de l'UE, des académiques et praticiens prêtent de plus en plus attention à cette domaine de droit excitante et stimulante.
Public and Private Enforcement of European Private Law in the Energy and Telecommunications Sectors
Authors: Bellantuono Giuseppe
Published: April 2022

Abstract: This article explores the dynamics of public and private enforcement in the EU energy and telecommunications sectors. Both sectors ask for analyses that take into account the availability of multiple enforcement avenues and the need to coordinate different enforcement levels. Drawing on examples from four EU countries (France, Germany, Italy and United Kingdom), the article describes enforcement mechanisms for network access and consumer disputes. The main conclusion is that the balance between public and private enforcement is largely shaped by the national institutional context. Despite increasing integration of the national energy and telecommunications markets, persisting variation is to be expected on crucial aspects of enforcement mechanisms. Most importantly, the national level affects the interplay between regulatory law and private law, which in turn shapes the content of each type of enforcement mechanism. These developments suggest a new regulatory strategy that acknowledges the sources of national diversity while at the same time increasing the effectiveness of each type of enforcement. Such a strategy should not be pursued through a search for perfect complementarity but through the development of hybrid enforcement mechanisms that minimize the weaknesses on the private and public sides.
Alternative Litigation Funding and the Italian Perspective
Authors: Solas Gian Marco
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Alternative Litigation Funding (ALF) refers to any practice whereby an entity not party to a dispute provides capital to claimants or defendants or in any way bears whole or part of the dispute costs, in exchange for a share of the expected financial recovery. For a few years, the use of ALF has experienced some success in certain common law jurisdictions but has not yet emerged in most (European Union) civil law countries. Italy is one of those countries in which ALF has not yet emerged, although court costs have steadily increased in recent years, and practitioners’ claims for access to justice have multiplied. Against this background, after a comparative overview, this article aims to shed light on the current status and issues related to ALF in Italy. In doing so, some Italian legislation that might potentially involve this manner of funding will also be analysed, particularly with regard to the recent reforms of (civil and commercial) justice.

Résumé: Le financement alternatif du contentieux (FAC) se réfère à toute pratique par laquelle une entité non partie à une dispute fournit des capitaux aux parties, ou encore assume tout ou partie des coûts liés au litige, en échange d’une part des gains attendus. Depuis plusieurs années, le FAC connaît un succès grandissant dans certains pays de common law. En revanche, la plupart des pays de droit civil de l’Union Européenne se sont pas encore ouverts à cette pratique. En Italie par exemple, le FAC n’a pas encore vu le jour bien que, au cours des dernières années, les frais de justice aient augmenté de facon constante et les plaintes des praticiens concernant l’accès à la justice se soient multipliées. L’objectif de cet article sera donc d’établir un état des lieux des questions liées à l’introduction du FAC en Italie. Après un rapide apercu comparatif, nous analyserons la législation italienne pouvant concerner cette forme de financement. Nous intéresserons ainsi en particulier aux récentes réformes de la justice civile et commerciale.
Parental Liability for Cartel Infringements Committed by Wholly Owned Subsidiaries: Is the Approach of the European Court of Justice in Akzo Nobel also Relevant in a Private-Law Context?
Authors: Van Leuken Roel
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Although the European Court of Justice, in Akzo Nobel, expressly decided that the anti-competitive behaviour of a (wholly owned) subsidiary may be imputed to the parent company when both form part of the same economic unit, it is doubtful that this theory of identification really is at the base of the joint and several liability of the parent for the payment of a cartel fine. This article not only traces the actual basis of the competition law liability of a parent company for cartel infringements committed by a (wholly owned) subsidiary but also investigates whether that liability automatically translates into the civil liability of the parent company for damages suffered by third parties due to an infringement of competition law committed by a (wholly owned) subsidiary.

Résumé: Bien que la Cour de Justice ait explicitement affirmé, dans l’arrêt Akzo Nobel, que le comportement anticoncurrentiel d’une filiale dont le capital est détenu en totalité par la société mère peut être imputé à cette dernière lorsque toutes deux font partie d’une même unité économique, il est permis de douter que cette théorie de l’identification soit réellement la justification de la condamnation conjointe et solidaire de la société mère au paiement d’une amende pour cartel. Le présent article analyse non seulement le véritable fondement de la responsabilité, en droit de la concurrence, de la société mère pour les infractions en matière de cartel commises par une filiale détenue à 100 %, mais envisage également la question de savoir si cette responsabilité implique en outre, automatiquement, une responsabilité civile de la société mère pour les dommages subis par des tiers à la suite d’une infraction au droit de la concurrence commise par une filiale détenue à 100 %.
The Obligation on Dutch and Italian Courts to Apply EU Law of Their Own Motion
Authors: Mancaleoni Anna Maria
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The European Court of Justice (ECJ) case law relating to the power of and the obligation on national courts to assess, of their own motion, the unfairness of contractual terms in consumer contracts under Directive 93/13/EEC has had a remarkable impact on national legal systems by introducing rules which often derogate from ordinary procedural rules and from the principles of judicial restraint and party autonomy. They also derogate from the traditional rules on contractual invalidity. This article, drawing extensively on the work of Arthur Hartkamp, summarizes the relevant legal framework on the EU level and in the Dutch and Italian legal systems and then focuses on two recent and groundbreaking judgments of the Supreme Courts of the Netherlands and Italy in order to assess the impact of the relevant EU law and to compare these judgments. With regard to the ex officio assessment of the unfairness of terms in consumer contracts, the comparison shows that the impact of EU case law has been greater in the Netherlands than in Italy, as the Italian regulation implementing Directive 93/13/EEC, unlike its Dutch counterpart, already provided explicit rules on the ex officio assessment of unfair terms by courts, similar to the rules subsequently established by the ECJ. Furthermore it emerges that the approach adopted in the Netherlands is restrictive with regard to the power of the court to raise ex officio the question of nullity. In Italy, on the contrary, that power is the characteristic unifying all forms of nullity laid down in the legal system, with the caveat that when the nullity is ‘protective’, as in cases of nullity provided by consumer law, the consumer can oppose the nullity (Pannon).