Introduction to Law

This book is exceptional in the sense that it provides an introduction to law in general rather than the law of one specific jurisdiction, and it presents a unique way of looking at legal education. It is crucial for lawyers to be aware of the different ways in which societal problems can be solved and to be able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different legal solutions. In this respect, being a lawyer involves being able to reason like a lawyer, even more than having detailed knowledge of particular sets of rules. Introduction to Law reflects this view by focusing on the functions of rules and on ways of arguing the relative qualities of alternative legal solutions. Where ‘positive’ law is discussed, the emphasis is on the legal questions that must be addressed by a field of law and on the different solutions which have been adopted by, for instance, the common law and civil law tradition. The law of specific jurisdictions is discussed to illustrate possible answersto questions such as when the existence of a valid contract is assumed.

• Basic Concepts
• Civil Law
• Common Law
• Comparative law
• Introduction to Law
• Sources of Law

“Introduction to Law is a content-rich, very meticulously-organized and practically-structured textbook optimized to present complex information in highly-segmented, concise and accessible morsels. The text qualifies as a compelling educational tool, as it satisfactorily delivers upon its proposition of introducing students to the law by boasting an admirable breadth of coverage in an effectively incremental manner, along with strategic and relevant selections of legal cases which aptly supplement the discussion of concepts.” (Impeccable Business, impeccablebusiness.wordpress.com, June, 2016)

• Foundations and Methods of Law, Maastricht University Faculty of Law, Maastricht, The Netherlands

  Jaap Hage

• Private Law, Maastricht University Faculty of Law, Maastricht, The Netherlands

  Bram Akkermans

Jaap Hage is Professor of Jurisprudence at Maastricht University and Fellow of the Maastricht European Private Law Institute (M-EPLI), Maastricht University.

Bram Akkermans is Assistant Professor European Private Law and Associate-Director of the Maastricht European Private Law Institute (M-EPLI), Maastricht University.

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