Short Introduction to Judging and to Legal Reasoning

Geoffrey Samuel, Professor Emeritus, Kent Law School, UK

'In this useful and timely book Geoffrey Samuel offers to his readers a new understanding of the rich complexity of legal reasoning - an understanding that has sometimes been lacking in accounts of law written from a single perspective. Professor Samuel has made excellent use of his wide and deep knowledge of Roman law, of English legal history, of modern English law, and of mediaeval and modern civil law. The book is well set out, with clear, concise, and apt quotations throughout.' --Stephen Waddams, University of Toronto, Canada'A wonderful idea and a stimulating book! Harmonization of Law in Europe will only come to life if students and practitioners begin to understand how judges think about cases. Geoffrey Samuel's unique ability to teach and understand both French law and continental perspectives, as well as English law allows him to give invaluable insight on legal methodology both for English and civil law lawyers. This book is the result of a large historical and methodological knowledge, of a deep understanding of decision-making processes and of a tremendous work with cases. Just remarkable!' --Pascal Pichonnaz, University of Fribourg, Switzerland

• Contents: Preface Introduction 1. What Judging and Legal Reasoning Have Been 2. Judging and Legal Reasoning Today (‘Official Portrait’) (1) 3. Judging and Legal Reasoning Today (‘Official Portrait’) (2) 4. The ‘Unofficial Portrait’ 5. The Relationship Between the Official and Unofficial Portraits (1) 6. The Relationship Between the Official and Unofficial Portraits (2) Conclusions Index