Research centres and projects

Instituto Internacional de Sociología Jurídica

The IISL was founded in 1988. It is associated with many European and Non-European universities as well as an international network of sociologists of law. The Institute offers courses in the sociology of law and the website gives details of conferences and seminars. There are details of publications and an online library catalogue with details of books, journal articles and unpublished materials. A selection of articles and papers are free to download from the site.

Centre for Law and Society

The Centre for Law and Society is based at the Faculty of Law, University of Edinburgh. Established in 1983, it researches criminology and legal theory. The website gives details of the Centre's publications, seminars and current areas of research. There is also information about postgraduate courses, conferences and the Edinburgh Study of Youth Transitions and Crime Project.

Max Plank Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law

Website of the Max Plank Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law (formerly the Max Planck Institute for Foreign and International Criminal Law) which is part of the Max Planck Society, a German research organisation. The Institute's research interests cover criminal law, criminology and public law. The site has information about the Institute including yearly activity reports, a list of publications and working papers available to download via SSRN.

Swiss Institute of Comparative Law

The Swiss Institute of Comparative Law (Institut suisse de droit comparé, or ISDC) was established in Lausanne in 1982. Its primary task is to prepare legal opinions in respect of foreign law for the Federal authorities, courts, lawyers and other individuals. It also produces studies in comparative law, holds colloquia and carries out research projects. The Institute has an extensive law library, whose catalogue is available via the website. A set of legal links for countries from Afghanistan to Zambia is available on the Law Online page, annotated in English.

Normative Action: UNESCO - Culture

This section of the UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) website focuses on conventions for the protection of cultural heritage, including non-UNESCO conventions. Full-text treaties and their protocols; drafts; preparatory working documents from committees and diplomatic conferences; and information about state signatories are provided. Information is also available about current activities and forthcoming events. The site is in English, French and Spanish. Links to related websites are provided.

Institute of Art and Law

The Institute of Art and Law is an independent institution founded in 1995 focusing on art law and cultural property law. The Institute organises regular seminars on topics related to art and law for lawyers, historians, collectors, dealers, museum officials and others. Specialised training courses are also held on heritage law and practice. The site gives brief definitions on topics such as moral rights, illicit trade, authenticity, repatriation, export licensing and archaeological objects.

One Europe or Several? The Dynamics of Change Across Europe

This is the website of an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) programme which studied several areas of change and development within contemporary Europe. It ended in 2003. The programme aimed to examine " ... contemporary processes of political, security, economic, social and cultural change across the European continent, notably in relation to influences on convergence and divergence within and between European countries and prospects for integration and fragmentation." One Europe or Several?

Children and Armed Conflict Unit

The Children and Armed Conflict Unit is a joint project of the Children's Legal Centre and the Human Rights Centre at the University of Essex. Its aim is to provide information on the impact of war on children and to analyse existing human rights law in order to provide a better protection of childrens' rights. Its website provides information on the scope of the project, recent news stories relating to on-going conflicts worldwide, and details of the Unit's recent field visits to specific war zones.

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