Going beyond the wording of rules and dogmatic constructions, comparative lawyers have studied the functions of rules, often discovering hidden similarities. Critics of functionalism emphasize otherness and may strive for decolonisation of laws. In the debate about dos and don’ts of comparing laws, should we focus more on how not to compare laws?

Professor Dannemann, formerly Reader in Comparative Law at the University of Oxford, took up his Chair at the Centre in 2003. This lecture draws on his experience in explaining German law to English students, academics, courts and lawmakers, and English law to German audiences, and in drafting rules which can operate in different legal systems.

Please register at: events.gbz@hu-berlin.de. When registering please state if you wish to attend in person or via Zoom.