The people, issues and stories behind our research

The people, issues and stories behind our research

Foundational legal research is varied in nature and touches upon real life. The Private Law Gazette reports on research topics and presents Institute scholars along with their current projects. It portrays life at the Institute and offers an overview of current publications and academic events.

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Selected articles

Scholarship in Pictures and History

The Young Academy Fellows of the Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Hamburg have for a number of years been using science comics to present their topics of research. Katharina Isabel Schmidt, Research Fellow at the Institute and Young Academy Fellow, has authored a comic together with artist Hannah Brinkmann. With a handful of words and powerful images, they tell the story of a historical court case in France that remains thought-provoking today. “The little bread thief on trial” illustrates the conflict between written law and lived justice, a conflict which is at the heart of modern legal philosophy. more

From Corporate Governance to LGBTQ+: What does research on Japanese law focus on?

Western perceptions of Japan often revolve around the country’s history of technological innovation, its strong export economy, or cultural elements holding fascination. Yet in terms of the comparative insights that Japanese law offers, little is known – even among lawyers. “There are many reasons to study Japanese law,” says Ruth Effinowicz, Head of the Institute’s Centre of Expertise on Japan. “And one’s view of Japan should not be guided solely by the – sometimes presumed – otherness of Japanese culture and society.” more

Social Entrepreneurship as a Model for the Future: Legal assessment of a new economic sector

Addressing social challenges with entrepreneurial means has become a global trend. Especially among the younger generation of founders, a combined focus on the common good and earning profits is seen as a desirable organizational model. However, the legal framework underlying such endeavours is still poorly developed. A project led by Institute Director Holger Fleischer is exploring this subject from an interdisciplinary perspective. more

Traversing Borders in Family Law: <span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Anne Röthel </span></span><span><span>is on the lookout for law and</span></span><span><span> society’s tipping points</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /> 

Her path to the study of law was one marked by indirect routes. Initially, she was more interested in language, literature, philosophy, and theatre. From an early age she had seen herself writing and teaching, and her decision to study law was originally a decision against the uncertain rewards of other alternatives. Anne Röthel retained her openness to other disciplines, and her route into academia was a gradual one, featuring stations in Brussels, Oxford, and Paris, among other places. Established as professor at Bucerius Law School, she was offered a leadership position at the Institute. Since 1 January 2024, she has taken her place as one of its Directors. more

Sustainability and Individual Liberty

What role for private law and PIL? The principles of individual liberty and economic growth were fundamental to the development of modern private law in the nineteenth century. Today, however, with the climate crisis and loss of biodiversity looming, it looks untenable to keep chasing quantitively-measured growth that depends on unlimited exploitation of resources. “It’s time for a re-evaluation in private law”, Ralf Michaels, director at the Institute, says. more

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