Transnational law 2200-1PS027-ERA

The course aims to introduce students to the concept of transnational law — a body of law precisely defined in the literature as regulating actions and events that cross national borders. The course focuses on selected case studies to demonstrate how different legal orders intersect in practice today and what this means for the application of law.

Provisional Course Outline and Suggested Topics (subject to change):

What is transnational law? Key concepts and distinctions. Introductory session
Can a foreign investor sue a state — and is that fair?
Regulating the platform economy – who governs Big Tech? How does the EU protect its standards?
Transnational disputes over product standards – when does regulation become a trade barrier?
Digital trade inside and outside the WTO – do we need global rules?
Is there a transnational community of courts?
Immunity over justice? When international rulings clash with national constitutions
Can courts save the climate? Transnational climate law in action
Who has the final word in Europe? The CJEU versus constitutional courts
Land reform in Zimbabwe – sovereignty vs. international rulings
Alternatives to litigation? ADR in a transnational context
Being Erin Brockovich – class actions as a way to pursue group claims
Transnational consumer law in practice: What can you do when Amazon doesn’t ship your book, or Wizzair cancels your flight?
Public enforcement of transnational law – who will protect our rights if we don’t?
Access to justice in a transnational context – bridging the gap between theory and reality