Comparative Law

This course is a general introduction to the theory and practice of comparative law, with a broad overview of the major legal systems in the world.

Based on a comparative study of different legal institutions and traditions in the United States, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, the course explores topics such as debates around similarities and differences between civil law and common law, between continental Europe and Anglo-American legal systems, different comparative legal methodologies, and the points of convergence and divergence of different legal systems.

Our comparative analysis also includes several examples of global case studies of comparative law in practice, such as legal reception and globalization of law and legal thought, and legal reforms in the areas of law and development, economic reforms, constitutional reforms, democratization, rule of law, human rights, equality, family law reforms, and church-state relationship.