The protection of traditional knowledge and the practices of local and indigenous groups have been discussed in various forums in recent times. International agreements - such as the Convention on Biological Diversity - address the importance of protecting traditional knowledge and practices, recognizing that this knowledge bears immense value in terms of its contribution to the conservation of biological diversity and its inputs to research and development in various fields. Experiences of the past - for example, the use of the Neem tree and the Turmeric plant - show that the benefits of traditional knowledge applications are allocated mainly to the follow-on developers and rarely to the original suppliers of the knowledge and practices. In the long term, this may result in restricted access to traditional knowledge to the detriment of social welfare. This book examines traditional knowledge protection in the area of traditional medical knowledge, which is often utilized in contemporary medicine and, consequently, is subject to patent protection. The book provides a comparative view of the current patent regimes in major economies - specifically the US and the EU - and the consequences of the application of these laws to traditional medical knowledge and follow-on innovation, as well as the impact on underlying economic principles and opposing interests. The economic analysis of law is used to evaluate the current situation by comparing the effects of adapted patent regimes to alternative liability regimes or contractual agreements. This comparative and interdisciplinary approach gives valuable insights and inputs for future discussion. (Series: European Studies in Law and Economics - Vol. 10)

Mit BeitrAgen zum RAmischen Recht in Antike und Mittelalter, zum geltenden Zivil- und Steuerrecht sowie zu den Grundlagen der Rechtsidee ehren Horst Heinrich Jakobs, Eduard Picker, Jan Wilhelm, Wolfgang Ernst, Rainer HA1/4ttemann und Wolfgang SchAn den Lehrer Werner Flume aus AnlaA seines 90. Geburtstages. Zum Inhalt: Horst Heinrich Jakobs, Studien zur Geschichte des Textes der glossa ordinaria; Eduard Picker, MenschenwA1/4rde und Menschenleben - Zum Auseinanderdriften zweier fundamentaler Werte als Ausdruck moderner Tendenzen zur Relativierung des Menschen; Jan Wilhelm, Irrtum A1/4ber rechtliche Eigenschaften und Kauf - 50 Jahre "Eigenschaftsirrtum und Kauf" von Werner Flume; Wolfgang Ernst, Die Vorgeschichte der exceptio non adimpleti contractus; Rainer HA1/4ttemann, Der Grundsatz der VermAgenserhaltung im Stiftungsrecht; Wolfgang SchAn, Die verdeckte GewinnausschA1/4ttung - eine Bestandsaufnahme.

This volume combines both the broader and narrower aspects of school-related law to provide increased understanding of the legal realities and responsibilities of American teachers and administrators. The book depicts the flow of authority in American polity, from the national level in the Constitution's grant of power in the Tenth Amendment to the local level in the development of policy by local school boards. Selected statutes and cases provide a framework of national rulings on educational matters, but the emphasis is on the role of the state as the critical force in decision making for schools. This book is pragmatic, rather than theoretical, and is aimed at the practitioner. Citations provide ready reference for dealing with daily problems that may have legal ramifications.

There is an urgent need to better understand the legal issues pertaining to alternative dispute resolution (ADR), particularly in relation to mediation clauses. Despite the promotion of mediation by dispute resolution providers, policy makers, and judges, use of mediation remains low. In particular, problems arise when parties lack certainty regarding the legal effect of a mediation clause, and the potential uncertainty regarding the binding nature of agreements to pursue mediation is problematic and threatens the growth of ADR. This book closely examines the importance and complexity of mediation clauses in commercial contracts to remedy this persistent uncertainty. Using comparative law methods and detailed empirical research, it explores the creation of a comprehensive framework for the mediation clause. Providing valuable insight into the process of ADR and mediation, this book will be of interest to academics, law makers, law students, in-house council, lawyers, as well as parties interesting in drafting enforceable mediation clauses.

In the mid-1970s, as a social psychologist dedicated to the application of knowl edge, I welcomed our field's emerging interest in the legal system. I have al ways been fascinated by jury trials-something about the idea that two con ceptions of the truth were in irrevocable conflict and jurors could choose only one of them. More important, the criminal justice system is a major social force that has been ignored by social psychologists for most of the twentieth century. As I systematically began to explore the applications of social psycho logical concepts to the law 20 years ago, I experienced the delight of discovery similar to that of a child under a Christmas tree. It has been satisfying to be among the cohort of researchers who have studied the legal system, especially trial juries, from a psychological perspective. I believe we have learned much that would be useful if the system were to be revised. Hlf the system were to be revised" . . . there's the rub. As I have stated, my original motivation was the application of knowledge. Like other social scien tists, I believed-perhaps arrogantly-that the results of our research efforts could be used to make trial juries operate with more efficiency, accuracy, and satisfaction. Qver the last two decades, much knowledge has accumulated. How can we put this knowledge to work? Judges are the gatekeepers of the legal system."

The book will serve primarily as a user's manual or desk reference for the expert witness-lawyer team and secondarily as a textbook or supplemental textbook for upper level undergraduate statistics students. It starts with two articles by masters of the trade, Paul Meier and Franklin Fisher. It then explains the distinction between the Frye and Daughbert standards for expert testimony, and how these standards play out in court. The bulk of the book is concerned with individual cases ranging over a wide variety of topics, such as electronic draw poker (does it require skill to play), employment discrimination (how to tell whether an employer discriminated against older workers in deciding whom to fire), driving while black (did the New Jersey State Police disproportionately stop blacks), jury representativeness (is a jury a representative cross section of the community), juries hearing death penalty cases (are such juries biased toward a guilty verdict, and does the Supreme Court care), the civil incarceration of violent sexual offenders after having served their jail sentences (can future dangerousness be predicted), do data from multiple choice examinations support an allegation of copying, whether rental agents in an apartment complex steered African-American prospects to one part of the complex, how much tax is owed after an audit that used a random sample, whether an inventor falsified his notebook in an effort to fool the Patent Office, and whether ballots had been tampered with in an election. The book concludes with two recent English cases, one in which a woman was accused of murdering her infant sons because both died of "cot death" or "sudden death syndrome", (she was convicted, but later exonerated), and how Bayesian analyses can (or more precisely), cannot be presented in UK courts. In each study, the statistical analysis is shaped to address the relevant legal questions, and draws on whatever methods in statistics might shed light on those questions.

This collection of essays celebrates the life and work of Peter Birks, who was Regius Professor of Civil Law at the University of Oxford, and Fellow of All Souls College. Widely known as one of the most prolific legal scholars for over twenty years, his contribution to English obligations law is legendary. He was Founder of the Clarendon Law Lectures, editor of the Clarendon Law Series, editor of the Oxford English Law Series, and author of several works on the English law of restitution, comparative restitution, and unjust enrichment. This works in this volume cover the English law of unjust enrichment and restitution, comparative perspectives on unjust enrichment and restitution, Roman law, and legal history, reflecting the range on Peter Birks' work and influence. As one of the most distinguished academic lawyers of his generation Peter Birks' contribution to legal scholarship grew to be recognised as one of the most outstanding by a British jurist in the second half of the twentieth century. This collection attempts to acknowledge and pay tribute to Peter Birks' work.

Based on the wish to reopen an international comparative discussion on fundamental notions of civil procedure, this book offers a number of insights into procedural human rights from different jurisdictions and different points of view.

In the last several decades, there has been an explosion in the number of amici curiae, or "friend of the Court," briefs filed with the U.S. Supreme Court. Amici are not formal parties to a lawsuit, but file to help inform the Justices about the wider repercussions of the case before them. Public law scholars have long discussed whether these briefs have an impact on the Justices. This book is the first study that seeks to assess the extent of amici influence. This work examines the role of interest groups in the creation and interpretation of the right to privacy, a highly controversial right that derived almost entirely from case law. It looks at amici participation in abortion, aid in dying, family relationships, and anti-sodomy cases. This volume tracks the influence of amici arguments and data on the Justices' handling of these cases.

This book addresses an experiment in funding money damage claims in England from 2000 to 2013. The model - recoverable conditional fees - was unique and has remained so. It covers the development, amendment and effective abolition of the model, as well as the process of policy development and the motivation and objectives of the policy makers.

Clear and accessible writing style which is concise without oversimplification is ideal for those who are looking for a straightforward, easy-to-follow textbook on the Law of Evidence in England and Wales Contains numerous extracts from cases and judgments framed by author commentary, presenting students with a wide range of legal authority Utilises an innovative suite of pedagogic tools to support learning and develop understanding of the law, preparing students for assessment New chapter on evidence in arbitral tribunals and additional practice tips, as well as full updates to case law throughout.

In recent years, the law relating to entry, search and seizure has undergone major change. Significant legislation, including the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, has led to the amendment and abolition of powers, creating a complex and dynamic legal landscape. What powers are available? Who may use them? And under what circumstances? A practical guide to the powers available in both criminal and civil proceedings, The Law of Entry, Search and Seizure offers comprehensive analysis of the powers available to the police and other officials in light of all the relevant legislation. It contains exhaustive treatment of police powers both at common law and under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and subsequent legislation such as the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, including powers of personal search as well as searches of premises. The book also covers the powers of many other officials, such as the HM Revenue and Customs, trading standards officers, and the powers of central and local government officers. Focussing in particular on the most commonly-used powers, but with reference to others which are available, this new edition offers expert analysis of the ways in which powers are typically used, and the constraints which exist in relation to them.

Key Facts is the essential revision series for anyone studying law, including LLB, ILEX and post-graduate conversion courses. The Key Facts series provides the simplest and most effective way for you to absorb and retain the essential facts needed to pass your exams effortlessly. Key features include diagrams at the start of chapters to summarise the key points, structured heading levels to allow for clear recall of the main facts, and charts and tables to break down more complex information. New to these editions is an improved text design making the books easier to read and the facts easier to retain. Key Facts books are supported by the website www.UnlockingTheLaw.co.ukwhere you will find extensive revision materials including multiple choice questions in addition to a questions and answers section.

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the presumption of innocence from both a practical and theoretical point of view. Throughout the book a framework for the presumption of innocence is developed. The book approaches the right to presumption of innocence from an international human rights perspective using specific examples drawn from international criminal law. The result is a framework for understanding the right that is grounded in human rights law. This framework can then be applied across different national and international systems. When applied, it can help determine when the presumption of innocence is being infringed upon, eroded, violated, and ensure that the presumption of innocence is protected. The book is an essential resource for students, academics and practitioners working in the areas of human rights, criminal law, international criminal law, and evidence. The themes also have a more general application to national jurisdictions and legal theory.

This book undertakes unique case studies, including interviews with participants, as well as empirical analysis, of public and private enforcement of Australian securities laws addressing continuous disclosure. Enforcement of laws is crucial to effective regulation. Historically, enforcement was the province of a government regulator with significant discretion (public enforcement). However, more and more citizens are being expected to take action themselves (private enforcement). Consistent with regulatory pluralism, public and private enforcement exist in parallel, with the capacity to both help and hinder each other, and the achievement of the goals of enforcement in a range of areas of regulation. The rise of the shareholder class action in Australia, backed by litigation funding or lawyers, has given rise to enforcement overlapping with that of the government regulator, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. The ramifications of overlapping enforcement are explained based on detailed analysis. The analysis is further bolstered by the regulator's approach to enforcement changing from a compliance orientation to a "Why not litigate?" approach. The analysis and ramifications of the Australian case studies involve matters of regulatory theory and practice that apply across jurisdictions. The book will appeal to practitioners, regulators and academics interested in regulatory policy and enforcement, and the operation of regulators and class actions, including their interaction.

Developments of the law in Japan and in Germany provide ample reason for an inquiry into "The Identity of Japanese and German Civil Law". Japanese civil law has a long tradition of absorbing and digesting foreign influences, - in particular from Germany, France, England and the United States. The absorption of foreign influences occurred on various levels: at the legislative level, in particular during the drafting process of the Civil Code, at the judicial level and in the field of scholarship. The reception of legal theories was followed by a unique process that has been characterised as "theory reception" (Kitagawa). Irrespective of such foreign influences, we can discern a unique legal tradition in Japan - in other words, its own identity. At the same time, German private law is under the influence of legal harmonisation in the EU. While the predominant view in the 1980's was still that this development was confined to a restricted area - that of "consumer law" - recent developments demonstrate that European Union legislation now influences large parts of German civil law. What does this mean in terms of the identity of German civil law? And how does this development of a "Europeanization" of German civil law affect related legal systems, such as that of Japan? The present volume contains the proceedings of a conference held in Japan in 2006 to mark the occasion of the "Germany Year in Japan". In their contributions, Japanese scholars discuss the various influences on Japanese law; German scholars enquire into the Europeanization of German private law; and finally, the identity of Japanese civil law is discussed from the perspectives of German civil law and of common law.

"The Decline and Fall of the Supreme Court" examines the contemporary work of the U.S. Supreme Court and the advice and consent role of the Senate with regard to nominees to the Court. After presenting historical background on the intentions of the federalists and 20th-century jurisprudence, the work describes the baleful effects of the recent theory known as legal realism. The author examines the most dramatic of those effects--the polarized, polarizing, and partisan confirmation hearings with which the United States has become familiar--beginning with Abe Fortas and culminating with Robert Bork and Clarence Thomas. This study will be of interest to scholars and laypeople in American history, political science, and law.

This comprehensive yet accessible Research Handbook offers an expert guide to the key concepts, principles and debates in the modern law of unjust enrichment and restitution. Written by leading experts drawn from a wide range of common law, civilian and mixed jurisdictions, chapters cover the complex history, scope and philosophical foundations of the subject, its organisational structure, main liability principles, defences and remedies. Utilising a broad array of legal authority and academic commentary, contributors engage with the key concepts and debates in a way that offers a direct route into the field for new researchers, as well as a source of original thinking for those already familiar with the subject. Throughout, the learning of both civilian and common law legal systems is juxtaposed and integrated, offering useful comparative insights and lessons for the future development of this still young, but critically important field of law. Engaging and thought provoking, the Research Handbook on Unjust Enrichment and Restitution will prove indispensable to academics and researchers in the field of private and commercial law. Judges and practitioners will also have much to gain from the clear presentation of authorities, principles and useful comparative perspectives. Contributors include: E. Bant, K. Barker, K. Barnett, M. Bryan, A. Burrows, M. Chen-Wishart, H. Dagan, S. Degeling, J. Gordley, R. Grantham, R. Gregson, B. Hacker, L. Ho, D. Ibbetson, D. Klimchuk, T. Krebs, A. Kull, R. Leow, T. Liau, M. McInnes, C. Mitchell, C. Rotherham, H. Scott, G. Virgo, S. Watterson, E. Weinrib, C. Wonnell, T.H. Wu

The Principles of European Family Law which are drafted by the CEFL are aimed at contributing to the harmonisation of family law in Europe. They may thus be used as a frame of reference. The first set of Principles in the field of Divorce and Maintenance Between Former Spouses was launched in 2004. This book contains the Principles Regarding Parental Responsibilities. In these Principles, the CEFL has developed a comprehensive and original set of rules in the field of parental responsibilities based on respect for the rights of the child, non-discrimination and, as far as possible, self-determination. In their provisions on specific issues the Principles opt for solutions which seem to be workable and shall avoid unnecessary hardship and disputes.

Credit rating agencies play a powerful and contentious role in the governance of global financial markets. Introducing an original framework for delegating political authority to private actors, this book explains common trends in the regulatory use of private ratings for public purposes and analyzes regulatory changes after the Financial Crisis.

The emergence of EU Private Law as an independent legal discipline is one of the most significant developments in European legal scholarship in recent times. In this 2010 Companion, leading scholars provide a critical introduction to the subject's key areas, while offering original and thought-provoking comment on the field. In addition to several chapters on consumer law topics, the collection has individual chapters on commercial contracts, competition law, non-discrimination law, financial services and travel law. It also discusses the wider issues concerning EU Private Law, such as its historical evolution, the role of comparative law, language and terminology, as well as the implications of the Common Frame of Reference project. A useful 'scene-setting' introduction and further reading arranged thematically make this important publication the student's and scholar's first port of call when exploring the field.