English, French and German Comparative Law

• published: 06 Oct 2014
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BOOK REVIEW ENGLISH, FRENCH AND GERMAN COMPARATIVE LAW 3rd edition By Raymond Youngs ISBN: 978 0 41554 066 7 ROUTLEDGE TAYLOR & FRANCIS GROUP www.routledge.com THE LEGAL SYSTEMS OF ENGLAND, FRANCE AND GERMANY COMPARED: THE DEFINITIVE TEXTBOOK FOR STUDENTS OF COMPARATIVE LAW An appreciation by Phillip Taylor MBE and Elizabeth Taylor of Richmond Green Chambers UK students of comparative law will welcome the publication of the latest edition of this substantial and authoritative legal textbook from the Routledge, and the Taylor & Francis Group. The author, Raymond Youngs, a solicitor, is a senior lecturer at Kingston University and Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Global Law, University College London. Comparative lawyers will recall that Kinston University was one of the pioneers in setting up a course aimed at examining UK links with EU law, specifically French law and German law. This book therefore makes a useful contribution to the study of European jurisprudence -- and -- in its scholarly, yet straightforward and succinct approach, functions as a real time-saver for students in this area. It is worth noting that, as mentioned in the preface to the first edition, the translations of statutory material contained in the book -- including extracts from the codes and constitutions -- are the author’s own. This new edition incorporates all significant new developments that have emerged since the publication of the previous edition. A broad range of new case law is examined on such issues as, to cite only a few examples: preventive detention… the internet… closed circuit television (CCTV)… DNA… the prevention of human trafficking… the privacy versus free speech debate… religious clothing… pre-nuptial agreements… and the balance between the fight against terrorism and personal freedom. In this, as well as in previous editions, the aim has been two-fold: first to introduce and examine key areas of the three legal systems under discussion -- and secondly, to create a convenient means of allowing readers to compare them, noting both similarities and differences. We quote the author’s observation that ‘the differences are… more revealing starting points for a critical appreciation of a legal system than mere speculation would be.’ To summarize, the book is divided into six sections, to cover constitutions, legal systems, court systems, human rights, torts and contracts, with emphasis throughout on such areas as the abuse of power and the rights of private individuals. The useful index at the back aids navigation, making it easier for students under pressure to look things up. The book is certainly a formidable research resource, with copious footnotes, a useful bibliography, a list of websites and journal sources -- and extensive table of cases and of legislation. Practitioners as well as students of comparative law will no doubt find this book indispensable. The publication date is cited as at August 2013.