Elgar Encyclopedia of Comparative Law

'This is a very important and immense book. . . Single-handedly, Smits has reviewed and checked this immense work to bring it to its final high standard in quality and accuracy and selection of laws.’
– The Criminal Lawyer

‘This is a very important and immense book. . . The Elgar Encyclopedia of Comparative Law is a treasure-trove of honed knowledge of the laws of many countries. It is a reference book for dipping into, time and time again. It is worth every penny and there is not another as comprehensive in its coverage as Elgar’s. I highly recommend the Elgar Encyclopedia of Comparative Law to all English chambers. This is a very important book that should be sitting in every university law school library.’
– Sally Ramage, The Criminal Lawyer

‘The entries are written in a lucid and accessible style, with appropriate references being given for further research. All in all, a substantial work which will delight enthusiasts of comparative law.’
– The Commonwealth Lawyer

‘The breadth of topics plus the bibliographies allows a reader to use the Elgar Encyclopedia as an initial entry into a field of law, a specific topic, or a legal system. . . Any law library, business library, large public library, or academic library supporting the study of international law or international business will want to have [it] in its collection. . . This work is highly recommended.’
– Ladyjane Hickey, American Reference Books Annual

‘Comparative law is the comparison of law and legal systems from around the world. At one time it was a field of limited interest and academic participation. However, increasing globalization, whether of commerce or culture, makes it imperative that citizens learn more about the law of other countries. That is the premise of this comprehensive new research tool designed for general readers. Some 70 articles address topics as diverse as accident compensation, legal culture, the European Civil Code, and the law and legal systems of a selected set of nations. . . This single-volume work provides an excellent comprehensive overview of the current state of affairs in comparative law. Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers.’
– J.E. Stephens, Choice

‘The timely publication of this encyclopedia reflects what is happening [in international law] and, in a field where works (even student textbooks) are often expensive, it comes at an attractive price.’
– Stuart Hannabuss, Reference Reviews

‘The Elgar Encyclopedia of Comparative Law looks set to become an indispensable source for the ever increasing body of lawyers needing accurate information on the structure and working of foreign systems as well as on points of a substantive law. Edited by Professor Jan Smits of Maastricht University the Encyclopedia is the work of an extremely strong international team of noted specialists. Comprising articles on the nature, methodology and focus of comparative law, on the legal systems of particular jurisdictions and on matters of substantive law, the work should be a very significant contribution to the literature. It seems likely that the contributions on the “comparative state of affairs” in particular fields of substantive law will be an especially valuable aspect of the work. There will be 37 such articles from “accident compensation” to “unjustified enrichment” with “mistake”, “personality rights”, “product liability” and “transfer of moveable property” only a sample of what the work will offer. Casting over this list one is again struck by the wealth of established expertise brought together in the Encyclopedia. I have little doubt that I can speak for the worldwide community of comparative lawyers in saying that the Elgar Encyclopedia of Comparative Law is eagerly awaited.’
– David L. Carey Miller, University of Aberdeen, UK

‘Comparative law is moving swiftly from a long infancy to teenage maturity, and Jan Smits provides the essential tonic. In this outstanding work he has gathered together leading scholars, each his/her own field. Some entries, articles rather, deal with the law of one state, or with one subject, or with comparisons between societies. Each chapter is written with great authority. I agree with many of the arguments and disagree with others. This is the nature of healthy adolescence. The volume is a great advance of comparative law scholarship. I am immensely grateful to Professor Smits.’
– Alan Watson, University of Georgia, US

‘The list of contributors is truly impressive, not only for its length (69 authors) and its geographic and jurisdictional diversity (22 jurisdictions), but also for its high calibre. The list includes some of the most accomplished comparatists of our time, as well as many of the rising stars of the new generation. Their combined experience and effort should reward even the most demanding of readers.’
– Symeon C. Symeonides, Willamette University College of Law, US