Comparative Company Law: Human Rights, Sustainability and Technological Advancements

Company law, as a specialised branch of business law, is uniquely shaped by contemporary challenges that often redefine traditional legal concepts. Historically, the study of company law has been approached through the lens of individual legal systems rather than a broader, comparative perspective. Addressing this gap, this advanced textbook offers a comprehensive comparative analysis of common law and civil law traditions.

The book focuses on the interplay between the UK legal system and the European Union’s legal framework through the analysis of some EU states’ legal systems. It examines company law in common law jurisdictions, particularly England and Wales, alongside Scotland, while integrating the latest legislative developments within some states of the EU, for instance, Italy and Germany. Through this comparative lens, the textbook explores pressing contemporary issues, such as the pursuit of sustainability and the green agenda, and technological evolution, in particular, AI, analysing their impact on the foundational principles of company law.

Marking the 20th anniversary of the passing of the Companies Act 2006, Comparative Company Law serves as a bridge between common law and civil law, combining tradition with innovation. It provides a nuanced exploration of how modern challenges, ranging from sustainability to human rights, reshape the structure of company law, making it an essential resource for advanced students and scholars.