Cross National Networks of Courts

Abstract

One of the most exciting new areas in the study of law and courts is the study of the links courts form. Courts can cite each others' decisions. Courts within a legal hierarchy can apply or reverse the decisions of other courts. In some legal systems, courts can also decide to refer issues to other specialised courts. This topic raises both substantive and methodological issues. To what extent do these patterns of co-operation and collaboration reflect institutional, rather than cultural factors? How can the networks formed by references and cross-citations best be analysed? And which actors within these networks find themselves in a position of mutual antagonism (or something close to it)? These are all questions addressed by the papers in this panel.