The Citizen in European Private Law

What is it about?

In numerous fields of law, ranging from family law to company law, private actors increasingly set their own rules, revert to private enforcement of those rules and choose the applicable law. Within each field this tendency has already been scrutinised. Until now, however, few attempts have been made to look at these phenomena together with a view to arriving at conclusions that go beyond one specific field. This book is a first attempt to fill this gap. It is relevant for scholars and practitioners working in the individual fields of law covered (private international law, company law, family law, consumer law and commercial law) as well as for scholars and policy makers trying to grasp the overall nature of the increasing privatisation of the law.

Featured Image

Photo by ALEXANDRE LALLEMAND on Unsplash

Photo by ALEXANDRE LALLEMAND on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Citizens are often looked at as being subjected to the law, as having to respect a law that is imposed on them. This book looks at different ways in which citizens can "direct' the law, by choosing the legal system that applies to their contract, by deviating from the default rules, using methods of alternative dispute resolution, take action against harmful behaviour by claiming compensation etc.