The paper endeavours to expose the concept of organized crime to a re-examination process free from the limitations imposed by the traditional baggage that accompanies the term. It also seeks to situate this form of criminal activity within a context of economic relationship. It reminds us of the importance of social capital. The Commission is examining how can this be reflected in the substance of law and the design of institutions. A number of studies, prepared by experts in law, philosophy, political science and public administration, were designed to offer participants a multidisciplinary perspective on various issues raised by the decision.
Legislation is only one mode of governance.
The Commission is sponsoring a series of theoretical studies on legislation with the aim of better understanding when and in what circumstances legislation is the appropriate vehicle for governance and social change. The Legal Dimensions Initiative is an annual, interdisciplinary research effort that invites legal and socio-legal scholars to submit proposals for research in selected areas of law and society. Perspectives on Legislation , the collection of papers funded by Legal Dimensions Initiative 1999, have been posted on the Commission s site in PDF format.