2013

Rule of Law: A Contested Concept? A New Ideology of the Rule of Law in Development

Despite its unquestioned importance for political, social and economic development, as well as its wide application on both national and international levels, the understanding of the concept of the rule of law remains disputed and open to contest. Numerous attempts made to define its content and requirements have resulted in emergence of various competing conceptions of the rule of law, significantly affecting its application in concrete situations. Is it however possible to determine the meaning of the rule of law or does it remain essentially contested? The aim of the seminar is to respond to those questions concerning the nature of the rule of law and provide participants with a venue for discussion. It attempts not only to critically assess the rationale of the concept but also to rethink its meaning and its mutual relationship with development.

The 26th Helsinki Seminar in International Law is open to students, researchers and practitioners with keen interest in the topic. During two weeks participants will have an opportunity to engage in lectures and workshops led by scholars and practitioners specializing in the topics of the rule of law and development.

Speakers
Dr. Luis Eslava (Melbourne Law School)
Prof. Dr. Florian F. Hoffmann (Staatswissenschaftliche Fakultät Willy Brandt School of Public Policy,Universität Erfurt)
Dr. Stephen Humphreys (London School of Economics)
Dr. Rose Parfitt (American University in Cairo)
Dr. Jothie Rajah (American Bar Foundation)
Dr. Samuli Seppänen (Affiliated Research Fellow Erik Castrén Institute)

Workshops by:
Prof. Thomas Krüßmann (University of Graz)
Dr. jur. habil. Slawomir Redo (Institute for Criminal Law and Criminology, Faculty of Law University of Vienna)