A Study of Mixed Legal Systems: Endangered, Entrenched, or Blended takes the reader on a fascinating voyage of discovery. It includes case studies of a number of systems from across the globe: Cyprus, Guyana, Jersey, Mauritius, Philippines, Quebec, St Lucia, Scotland, and Seychelles. Each combines its legal legacies in novel ways. Large and small, in Europe and beyond, some are sovereign, some part of larger political units. Some are monolingual, some bilingual, some multilingual. Along with an analytical introduction and conclusion, the chapters explore the manner in which the elements of these mixed systems may be seen to be 'entrenched', 'endangered', or 'blended'. It explores how this process of legal change happens, questions whether some systems are at greater risk than others, and details the strategies that have been adopted to accelerate or counteract change. The studies involve consideration of the colourful histories of the jurisdictions, of their complex relationships to parent legal systems and traditions, and of language, legal education and legal actors. The volume also considers whether the experiences of these systems can tell us something about legal mixtures and movements generally. Indeed, the volume will be helpful both for scholars and students with a special interest in mixed legal systems as well as anyone interested in comparative law and legal history, in the diversity and dynamism of law.
'This book contains a wonderful collection of essays written by renowned experts. The work is based on creative distinction between entrenched, endangered or blended systems. The book provides insights into systems from St Lucia to Mauritius and from Scotland to Quebec. Indispensable reading for anyone interested in contemporary mixed legal systems or comparative law.' Jaakko Husa, University of Lapland, Finland 'The book provides an excellent and valuable insight into how different legal cultures coexist in a number of countries, focusing mainly on small territories whose survival as mixed jurisdictions depends on constant inflow of intellectual and material resources from abroad. I can recommend it to all comparative legal scholars.' Michael Bogdan, Lund University, Sweden 'I have been studying, teaching, and reflecting about mixed legal systems for more than three decades, but this book has taught me plenty more, while also showing that there is even more to explore. Thoughtfully conceived and expertly executed, this book is an indispensable addition to the literature on mixed systems and comparative law in general.' Symeon C. Symeonides, Willamette University, USA and President, International Association of Legal Science '...an important addition to the literature on mixed legal systems and comparative law in general, and will undoubtedly prove a boon to further research.' Journal of Legal Pluralism and Unofficial Law
