Nordic Law in a European Context: Some Comparative Observations

Smits, Jan M.

Nordic Law in a European Context: Some Comparative Observations

NORDIC LAW - BETWEEN TRADITION AND DYNAMISM, Jaakko Husa, Kimmo Nuotio & Heikki Pihlajamäki, eds., pp. 55-64, Antwerp-Oxford (Intersentia), 2007

Maastricht Faculty of Law Working Paper

17 Pages Posted: 6 Sep 2007 Last revised: 5 Aug 2010

See all articles by Jan M. Smits

Jan M. Smits

Maastricht University Faculty of Law

Date Written: August 4, 2010

Abstract

This contribution looks at Nordic law in a comparative perspective. It discusses four features of law in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark and considers to what extent these are unique features compared to other European jurisdictions. The four features are: law as a tool for social engineering, the role of the citizen in law making, pragmatism and legal cooperation. The paper thus seeks to test the common assumption that Nordic law has unique features that distinguish it from the main legal families in Europe.

Keywords: Nordic law, Scandinavia, comparative law, social engineering

JEL Classification: K1

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Smits, Jan M., Nordic Law in a European Context: Some Comparative Observations (August 4, 2010). NORDIC LAW - BETWEEN TRADITION AND DYNAMISM, Jaakko Husa, Kimmo Nuotio & Heikki Pihlajamäki, eds., pp. 55-64, Antwerp-Oxford (Intersentia), 2007, Maastricht Faculty of Law Working Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1012541