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The Legal Aid Market: Challenges for Publicly Funded Immigration and Asylum Legal Representation
by Jo WildingEven though legal aid is available for people seeking asylum, there is uneven access to advice across Britain. Based on empirical research, this book offers fresh thinking on what has gone wrong in the legal aid market. It presents a rare picture of the barristers, solicitors and caseworkers practising immigration law in charities and private firms. In doing so, this book examines supply and demand and illuminates what constitutes high-quality legal aid work/provision, subsequent conflicts with financial rationality and how practitioners resolve these issues. Challenging existing legal aid policy, this book presents innovative insights to ensure public service markets around the globe function well for all those involved.
The Legal Aid Market: Challenges for Publicly Funded Immigration and Asylum Legal Representation
by Jo WildingEven though legal aid is available for people seeking asylum, there is uneven access to advice across Britain. Based on empirical research, this book offers fresh thinking on what has gone wrong in the legal aid market. It presents a rare picture of the barristers, solicitors and caseworkers practising immigration law in charities and private firms. In doing so, this book examines supply and demand and illuminates what constitutes high-quality legal aid work/provision, subsequent conflicts with financial rationality and how practitioners resolve these issues. Challenging existing legal aid policy, this book presents innovative insights to ensure public service markets around the globe function well for all those involved.
A Legal Analysis of NGOs and European Civil Society
by Piotr StaszczykAmid widespread awareness and discussion of "the democratic deficit" and "shrinking civil space," the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) becomes increasingly important. Yet the precise legal status of such bodies is ill-defined. Here, for the first time, is a thorough commentary and analysis of the position of NGOs and European civil society in the European Union (EU) constitutional system, bringing to the fore existing and desirable means of public participation in EU lawmaking. Recognizing that NGOs have historically been designed to meet the ends of civil society, the analysis focuses on the following topics and issues: means in EU law of advocating for the collective interests of civil society; unofficial means of influencing the EU institutions; access to documents and the European Citizens’ Initiative as means of exerting pressure on EU legislation; relations between the EU institutions and NGOs, including lobbying activities; bringing actions in the common good before courts and other institutions; the special role of NGOs in environmental protection; complaints to the Commission and the European Ombudsman; EU funding for NGOs; and transboundary philanthropy. Drawing on a broad spectrum of sources of law, including CJEU case law and relevant legal literature, the book offers insightful proposals leading to the democratization of the EU’s internal procedures that will allow enhanced cooperation of civil society representatives across national borders. In its thorough examination of legal tools that can respond to the "democratic deficit," this book makes a distinctive contribution to the public debate on the future of the European Union, especially in the context of emerging threats to further integration. It will prove of great value not only to civil activists, academics and policymakers but also to everyone interested in European integration and affordance for social participation.
A Legal Analysis of the Belt and Road Initiative: Towards a New Silk Road?
by Giuseppe Martinico Xueyan WuWhat does the Belt and Road Initiative mean for the existing multilateral organisations? What can it represent for the future of the European Union in the long run? What is the role of hard and soft law in the functioning of the Initiative? What does it represent from a legal theory perspective? This book aspires to contribute to the international debate by gathering scholars with different backgrounds (legal theorists, public international lawyers, comparative lawyers) in a way that they can offer their inputs and observations concerning the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Legal Analyst: A Toolkit for Thinking about the Law
by Ward FarnsworthThere are two kinds of knowledge law school teaches: legal rules on the one hand, and tools for thinking about legal problems on the other. Although the tools are far more interesting and useful than the rules, they tend to be neglected in favor of other aspects of the curriculum. In The Legal Analyst, Ward Farnsworth brings together in one place all of the most powerful of those tools for thinking about law. From classic ideas in game theory such as the “Prisoner’s Dilemma” and the “Stag Hunt” to psychological principles such as hindsight bias and framing effects, from ideas in jurisprudence such as the slippery slope to more than two dozen other such principles, Farnsworth’s guide leads readers through the fascinating world of legal thought. Each chapter introduces a single tool and shows how it can be used to solve different types of problems. The explanations are written in clear, lively language and illustrated with a wide range of examples. The Legal Analyst is an indispensable user’s manual for law students, experienced practitioners seeking a one-stop guide to legal principles, or anyone else with an interest in the law.
The Legal Analyst: A Toolkit for Thinking about the Law (Late Medieval And Early Renaissance Music In Facsimile Ser.)
by Ward FarnsworthThere are two kinds of knowledge law school teaches: legal rules on the one hand, and tools for thinking about legal problems on the other. Although the tools are far more interesting and useful than the rules, they tend to be neglected in favor of other aspects of the curriculum. In The Legal Analyst, Ward Farnsworth brings together in one place all of the most powerful of those tools for thinking about law. From classic ideas in game theory such as the “Prisoner’s Dilemma” and the “Stag Hunt” to psychological principles such as hindsight bias and framing effects, from ideas in jurisprudence such as the slippery slope to more than two dozen other such principles, Farnsworth’s guide leads readers through the fascinating world of legal thought. Each chapter introduces a single tool and shows how it can be used to solve different types of problems. The explanations are written in clear, lively language and illustrated with a wide range of examples. The Legal Analyst is an indispensable user’s manual for law students, experienced practitioners seeking a one-stop guide to legal principles, or anyone else with an interest in the law.
The Legal Analyst: A Toolkit for Thinking about the Law (Late Medieval And Early Renaissance Music In Facsimile Ser.)
by Ward FarnsworthThere are two kinds of knowledge law school teaches: legal rules on the one hand, and tools for thinking about legal problems on the other. Although the tools are far more interesting and useful than the rules, they tend to be neglected in favor of other aspects of the curriculum. In The Legal Analyst, Ward Farnsworth brings together in one place all of the most powerful of those tools for thinking about law. From classic ideas in game theory such as the “Prisoner’s Dilemma” and the “Stag Hunt” to psychological principles such as hindsight bias and framing effects, from ideas in jurisprudence such as the slippery slope to more than two dozen other such principles, Farnsworth’s guide leads readers through the fascinating world of legal thought. Each chapter introduces a single tool and shows how it can be used to solve different types of problems. The explanations are written in clear, lively language and illustrated with a wide range of examples. The Legal Analyst is an indispensable user’s manual for law students, experienced practitioners seeking a one-stop guide to legal principles, or anyone else with an interest in the law.
The Legal Analyst: A Toolkit for Thinking about the Law (Late Medieval And Early Renaissance Music In Facsimile Ser.)
by Ward FarnsworthThere are two kinds of knowledge law school teaches: legal rules on the one hand, and tools for thinking about legal problems on the other. Although the tools are far more interesting and useful than the rules, they tend to be neglected in favor of other aspects of the curriculum. In The Legal Analyst, Ward Farnsworth brings together in one place all of the most powerful of those tools for thinking about law. From classic ideas in game theory such as the “Prisoner’s Dilemma” and the “Stag Hunt” to psychological principles such as hindsight bias and framing effects, from ideas in jurisprudence such as the slippery slope to more than two dozen other such principles, Farnsworth’s guide leads readers through the fascinating world of legal thought. Each chapter introduces a single tool and shows how it can be used to solve different types of problems. The explanations are written in clear, lively language and illustrated with a wide range of examples. The Legal Analyst is an indispensable user’s manual for law students, experienced practitioners seeking a one-stop guide to legal principles, or anyone else with an interest in the law.
The Legal Analyst: A Toolkit for Thinking about the Law (Late Medieval And Early Renaissance Music In Facsimile Ser.)
by Ward FarnsworthThere are two kinds of knowledge law school teaches: legal rules on the one hand, and tools for thinking about legal problems on the other. Although the tools are far more interesting and useful than the rules, they tend to be neglected in favor of other aspects of the curriculum. In The Legal Analyst, Ward Farnsworth brings together in one place all of the most powerful of those tools for thinking about law. From classic ideas in game theory such as the “Prisoner’s Dilemma” and the “Stag Hunt” to psychological principles such as hindsight bias and framing effects, from ideas in jurisprudence such as the slippery slope to more than two dozen other such principles, Farnsworth’s guide leads readers through the fascinating world of legal thought. Each chapter introduces a single tool and shows how it can be used to solve different types of problems. The explanations are written in clear, lively language and illustrated with a wide range of examples. The Legal Analyst is an indispensable user’s manual for law students, experienced practitioners seeking a one-stop guide to legal principles, or anyone else with an interest in the law.
The Legal Analyst: A Toolkit for Thinking about the Law
by Ward FarnsworthThere are two kinds of knowledge law school teaches: legal rules on the one hand, and tools for thinking about legal problems on the other. Although the tools are far more interesting and useful than the rules, they tend to be neglected in favor of other aspects of the curriculum. In The Legal Analyst, Ward Farnsworth brings together in one place all of the most powerful of those tools for thinking about law. From classic ideas in game theory such as the “Prisoner’s Dilemma” and the “Stag Hunt” to psychological principles such as hindsight bias and framing effects, from ideas in jurisprudence such as the slippery slope to more than two dozen other such principles, Farnsworth’s guide leads readers through the fascinating world of legal thought. Each chapter introduces a single tool and shows how it can be used to solve different types of problems. The explanations are written in clear, lively language and illustrated with a wide range of examples. The Legal Analyst is an indispensable user’s manual for law students, experienced practitioners seeking a one-stop guide to legal principles, or anyone else with an interest in the law.
Legal Analytics: The Future of Analytics in Law
by Namita Singh Malik Elizaveta A Gromova Smita Gupta Balamurugan BalusamyLegal Analytics: The Future of Analytics in Law navigates the crisscrossing of intelligent technology and legal field in building up new landscape of transformation. Legal automation navigation is multidimensional wherein it intends to construct streamline communication, approval and management of legal task. Evolving environment of technology has emphasized need for better automations in legal field from time to time. Although legal scholars took long to embrace Information revolution of legal field. •Describes the historical development of law and automation •Analyses the challenges and opportunities in law and automation •Studies the current research and development in the convergence of Law, Artificial Intelligence and Legal Analytics •Explores the recent emerging trends and technologies that are used by various legal System globally for Crime Prediction & Prevention •Examines the applicability of legal analytics in forensic investigation •Investigates the impact of legal analytics tools and techniques in judicial decision making •Analyses deep learning techniques and its scope in accelerating legal analytics in developed and developing countries • Provides the in-depth analysis of implementation, challenges and issues in the society related to legal analytics The book is primarily aimed at graduates, postgraduates in law & technology, computer science and information technology. Legal practitioners and academicians will also find this book helpful.
Legal Analytics: The Future of Analytics in Law
by Namita Singh Malik, Elizaveta A Gromova, Smita Gupta and Balamurugan BalusamyLegal Analytics: The Future of Analytics in Law navigates the crisscrossing of intelligent technology and legal field in building up new landscape of transformation. Legal automation navigation is multidimensional wherein it intends to construct streamline communication, approval and management of legal task. Evolving environment of technology has emphasized need for better automations in legal field from time to time. Although legal scholars took long to embrace Information revolution of legal field. •Describes the historical development of law and automation •Analyses the challenges and opportunities in law and automation •Studies the current research and development in the convergence of Law, Artificial Intelligence and Legal Analytics •Explores the recent emerging trends and technologies that are used by various legal System globally for Crime Prediction & Prevention •Examines the applicability of legal analytics in forensic investigation •Investigates the impact of legal analytics tools and techniques in judicial decision making •Analyses deep learning techniques and its scope in accelerating legal analytics in developed and developing countries • Provides the in-depth analysis of implementation, challenges and issues in the society related to legal analytics The book is primarily aimed at graduates, postgraduates in law & technology, computer science and information technology. Legal practitioners and academicians will also find this book helpful.
Legal and Compliance Risk: A Strategic Response to a Rising Threat for Global Business
by Peter KurerOver the last 30 years, risks and costs associated with legal conflicts, compliance breaches, litigation, regulatory investigations, criminal prosecution, trials, and arbitration have increased exponentially in frequency and financial harm. Peter Kurer, former business lawyer, GC and chairman of UBS, and board member from various industries, presents his unique insight into the challenges of managing legal risk in a climate of globalization, corporate governance, and shifting political agendas. Legal & Compliance Risk: A Strategic Response to a Rising Threat for Global Business offers an overview of the global ascent of legal risk and outlines the ways in which companies have reacted to it. It presents the key processes that can be used to combat legal and compliance risk, including setting the proper strategy and risk governance on board level, organizing internal operations, allocation of work to internal and external legal and risk experts, developing effective internal reporting systems, using cutting-edge technology, and managing ethical conduct of employees as well as integrating these different processes within a business to build an effective business model for combating legal risk. Offering analytics, management tools, real-life examples, and practical advice in a user-friendly format, this is an accessible guide to managing legal risk for board members, senior managers, and professionals dealing with legal risk in and for global companies.
Legal and Compliance Risk: A Strategic Response to a Rising Threat for Global Business
by Peter KurerOver the last 30 years, risks and costs associated with legal conflicts, compliance breaches, litigation, regulatory investigations, criminal prosecution, trials, and arbitration have increased exponentially in frequency and financial harm. Peter Kurer, former business lawyer, GC and chairman of UBS, and board member from various industries, presents his unique insight into the challenges of managing legal risk in a climate of globalization, corporate governance, and shifting political agendas. Legal & Compliance Risk: A Strategic Response to a Rising Threat for Global Business offers an overview of the global ascent of legal risk and outlines the ways in which companies have reacted to it. It presents the key processes that can be used to combat legal and compliance risk, including setting the proper strategy and risk governance on board level, organizing internal operations, allocation of work to internal and external legal and risk experts, developing effective internal reporting systems, using cutting-edge technology, and managing ethical conduct of employees as well as integrating these different processes within a business to build an effective business model for combating legal risk. Offering analytics, management tools, real-life examples, and practical advice in a user-friendly format, this is an accessible guide to managing legal risk for board members, senior managers, and professionals dealing with legal risk in and for global companies.
Legal and Conduct Risk in the Financial Markets
by Roger McCormick Chris StearsThis is the third edition of the only work to focus on the topic of legal risk, expanded in this edition to include much new material specifically on conduct risk. The book has been updated to take into account developments in the law and professional standards concerning such risks and associated values in the context of the financial markets. Significant (and in some cases, endemic) conduct-related scandals, such as the widespread mis-selling of financial products and LIBOR manipulation, exposed (even precipitated) by the Financial Crisis, have resulted in legal and regulatory change in equal measure (and profound effect) to that of the prudential and financial stability concerns captured in the second edition. Consequently this new edition fully examines the current approach to trust, ethics and conduct within the broader framework of reputational and legal risk. In doing so, it clarifies what constitutes legal risk in contemporary financial markets and how to manage it, drawing on examples and case studies. Other developments in areas such as the resolution/insolvency of banks, the revision of the UK regulatory structure from the FSA to the FCA and PRA, and the recently made new crime of reckless management of a bank are all considered in full. There is also discussion of trends in areas ripe for development such as fiduciary duty amongst financial markets participants. Combining practical emphasis with theoretical depth, this is an approachable and engaging reference guide to this important and evolving area of law.
Legal and Conduct Risk in the Financial Markets
by Roger McCormick Chris StearsThis is the third edition of the only work to focus on the topic of legal risk, expanded in this edition to include much new material specifically on conduct risk. The book has been updated to take into account developments in the law and professional standards concerning such risks and associated values in the context of the financial markets. Significant (and in some cases, endemic) conduct-related scandals, such as the widespread mis-selling of financial products and LIBOR manipulation, exposed (even precipitated) by the Financial Crisis, have resulted in legal and regulatory change in equal measure (and profound effect) to that of the prudential and financial stability concerns captured in the second edition. Consequently this new edition fully examines the current approach to trust, ethics and conduct within the broader framework of reputational and legal risk. In doing so, it clarifies what constitutes legal risk in contemporary financial markets and how to manage it, drawing on examples and case studies. Other developments in areas such as the resolution/insolvency of banks, the revision of the UK regulatory structure from the FSA to the FCA and PRA, and the recently made new crime of reckless management of a bank are all considered in full. There is also discussion of trends in areas ripe for development such as fiduciary duty amongst financial markets participants. Combining practical emphasis with theoretical depth, this is an approachable and engaging reference guide to this important and evolving area of law.
Legal and Ethical Challenges of Artificial Intelligence from an International Law Perspective (Law, Governance and Technology Series #46)
by Themistoklis TzimasThis book focuses on the legal regulation, mainly from an international law perspective, of autonomous artificial intelligence systems, of their creations, as well as of the interaction of human and artificial intelligence. It examines critical questions regarding both the ontology of autonomous AI systems and the legal implications: what constitutes an autonomous AI system and what are its unique characteristics? How do they interact with humans? What would be the implications of combined artificial and human intelligence? It also explores potentially the most important questions: what are the implications of these developments for collective security –from both a state-centered and a human perspective, as well as for legal systems? Why is international law better positioned to make such determinations and to create a universal framework for this new type of legal personality? How can the matrix of obligations and rights of this new legal personality be construed and what would be the repercussions for the international community? In order to address these questions, the book discusses cognitive aspects embedded in the framework of law, offering insights based on both de lege lata and de lege ferenda perspectives.
Legal and Ethical Concerns in Treating Kidney Failure: Case Study Workbook (Legal and Ethical Concerns in Medicine #1)
by Eli A. FriedmanOnce dialysis treatment, in 1960, permitted life prolongation for some but not all patients in kidney failure, an `ethical genie' was released. The introduction of peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation compounded the physician's dilemma by underscoring those left untreated. Who should be selected for uremia therapy? Should exclusion from treatment be properly delegated to administrators or physicians, or better left to a committee? Are some candidates more worthy than others? As examples: Do Presidents and Kings warrant priority in cadaver organ allocation over ordinary citizens? Are rich people more deserving than the poor? Is it ethical to choose a younger over an older patient? Can children and/or mentally incompetent persons serve as living organ donors? Is it proper to market organs under controlled circumstances? Eli A. Friedman, an experienced nephrology training program director, and Medical Advisor to the American Association of Kidney Patients, has collected 24 difficult cases that focus on these and other vexing though common stressful issues faced by those who manage kidney patients. Using a novel approach to each case, the opinions of lawyers, nephrologists, patients, and a transplant surgeon are proffered sequentially. Friedman asks and then answers searching questions arising from the debate. The quality of information presented is positively flavored by the fact that three of the respondents (one an attorney) are kidney transplant recipients. Members of the kidney team, those immersed in seeking truth in medical ethics, and all participating in exploring the legality or ethical basis of organ replacement will find this book pertinent to their effort.
Legal and Ethical Issues in Acquisitions
by Katina Strauch Bruce StrauchHere is a timely new book on the pressing legal and ethical issues that are faced by librarians on a daily basis. Chapters written by librarians, lawyers, accountants, and business people discuss the concept of acquisitions as a business, address some of the ramifications of the climate in which practicing acquisitions librarians now find themselves, and examine some of the skills that will be required as the acquisitions librarian changes to meet the emerging demands.Legal and Ethical Issues in Acquisitions features: an overview of antitrust issues in publishing practical suggestions for communicating with publishers a discussion of the acquisitions librarian’s role in dealing with charitable contributions a look at the issues involved in the purchase of new technologies information on the ethical and fiscal problems associated with the selection of appropriate materials for library collections a view of the business relationship between libraries and booksellers legal advice on the ramifications of a library allowing juveniles access to materials that are inappropriate for their age insider information on subscription vendor service charges and on getting the “best deal” a philosophical look at the problem of weeding books from a library’s collection
Legal and Ethical Issues in Acquisitions
by Katina Strauch Bruce StrauchHere is a timely new book on the pressing legal and ethical issues that are faced by librarians on a daily basis. Chapters written by librarians, lawyers, accountants, and business people discuss the concept of acquisitions as a business, address some of the ramifications of the climate in which practicing acquisitions librarians now find themselves, and examine some of the skills that will be required as the acquisitions librarian changes to meet the emerging demands.Legal and Ethical Issues in Acquisitions features: an overview of antitrust issues in publishing practical suggestions for communicating with publishers a discussion of the acquisitions librarian’s role in dealing with charitable contributions a look at the issues involved in the purchase of new technologies information on the ethical and fiscal problems associated with the selection of appropriate materials for library collections a view of the business relationship between libraries and booksellers legal advice on the ramifications of a library allowing juveniles access to materials that are inappropriate for their age insider information on subscription vendor service charges and on getting the “best deal” a philosophical look at the problem of weeding books from a library’s collection
Legal and Ethical Regulation of Biomedical Research in Developing Countries
by Remigius N. NwabuezeThere has been a rapid increase in the pace and scope of international collaborative research in developing countries in recent years. This study argues that whilst ethical regulation of biomedical research in Africa and other developing countries has attracted global attention, legal liability issues, such as the application of common law rules and the development of legally enforceable regulations, have been neglected. It examines some of the major research scandals in Africa and suggests a new ethical framework against which clinical trials could be conducted. The development of research guidelines in Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and Nigeria are also examined as well as the role of ethics committees. Providing a detailed analysis of the law of negligence and its application to research ethics committees and their members, common law and constitutional forms of action and potential negligence claims, the book concludes by suggesting new protocols and frameworks, improved regulation and litigation. This book will be a valuable guide for students, researchers, and policy-makers with an interest in medical law and ethics, bioethics, customary law in Africa and regulation in developing countries.
Legal and Ethical Regulation of Biomedical Research in Developing Countries
by Remigius N. NwabuezeThere has been a rapid increase in the pace and scope of international collaborative research in developing countries in recent years. This study argues that whilst ethical regulation of biomedical research in Africa and other developing countries has attracted global attention, legal liability issues, such as the application of common law rules and the development of legally enforceable regulations, have been neglected. It examines some of the major research scandals in Africa and suggests a new ethical framework against which clinical trials could be conducted. The development of research guidelines in Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and Nigeria are also examined as well as the role of ethics committees. Providing a detailed analysis of the law of negligence and its application to research ethics committees and their members, common law and constitutional forms of action and potential negligence claims, the book concludes by suggesting new protocols and frameworks, improved regulation and litigation. This book will be a valuable guide for students, researchers, and policy-makers with an interest in medical law and ethics, bioethics, customary law in Africa and regulation in developing countries.
Legal and Ethical Standards in Corporate Insolvency (Routledge Research in Corporate Law)
by Elizabeth StretenRecent financial crisis and the global financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have brought renewed interest to the regulation and practice of corporate insolvency and restructuring.Modernisation of the insolvency profession, and the regulation of its practitioners, is a contemporary concern and recent years have seen significant reforms of insolvency law. The success of such reforms can be enhanced through a clear understanding of difficulties faced by the insolvency profession in achieving successful restructuring and insolvency outcomes and through the determination of effective solutions to those difficulties. However, there is limited empirical data to inform the day-to-day practice of insolvency, nor the difficulties experienced by insolvency practitioners in pursing insolvency and restructuring solutions. This book addresses this absence of data and understanding, examining the role and practice of corporate insolvency practitioners and exploring the challenges that they encounter.Offering an empirical study together with a comparative analysis of the experiences of practitioners around the world, this book facilitates a greater understanding of corporate insolvency practice, confronting a misunderstanding of, and under-confidence in, corporate insolvency practitioners, making it key reading for academics, practitioners and regulators working in the area of corporate insolvency.
Legal and Ethical Standards in Corporate Insolvency (Routledge Research in Corporate Law)
by Elizabeth StretenRecent financial crisis and the global financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have brought renewed interest to the regulation and practice of corporate insolvency and restructuring.Modernisation of the insolvency profession, and the regulation of its practitioners, is a contemporary concern and recent years have seen significant reforms of insolvency law. The success of such reforms can be enhanced through a clear understanding of difficulties faced by the insolvency profession in achieving successful restructuring and insolvency outcomes and through the determination of effective solutions to those difficulties. However, there is limited empirical data to inform the day-to-day practice of insolvency, nor the difficulties experienced by insolvency practitioners in pursing insolvency and restructuring solutions. This book addresses this absence of data and understanding, examining the role and practice of corporate insolvency practitioners and exploring the challenges that they encounter.Offering an empirical study together with a comparative analysis of the experiences of practitioners around the world, this book facilitates a greater understanding of corporate insolvency practice, confronting a misunderstanding of, and under-confidence in, corporate insolvency practitioners, making it key reading for academics, practitioners and regulators working in the area of corporate insolvency.
The Legal and Institutional Framing of Collective Bargaining in CEE Countries (Bulletin of Comparative Labour Relations Series)
by Ivana PalinkašThe formerly communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) have witnessed a profound transformation of their labour laws since the 1990s and, especially, after their accession to the European Union. Today, in comparison to the other Member States, they continue to have weak trade unions and employers’ associations and an underdeveloped system of collective bargaining. Moreover, the recent economic and financial crisis highlighted the need to invest further efforts in bringing the CEE industrial relations closer to the ‘old’ Member States, in order to facilitate a more meaningful enforcement of the EU-wide economic and social policies. This is the first book to scrutinise this important matter in depth. Focusing on four current CEE labour law regimes – in Slovenia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Poland – that also have different collective bargaining trends and can be said to exemplify some of the main legal and institutional frameworks for collective bargaining that the CEE countries have developed, the author addresses the following major issues: – the transition from a centralised to an open market economy and the degree of continuing residual characteristics; – the extent to which labour laws since the 1990s have enabled an adequate institutionalisation of industrial relations to allow free and voluntary collective bargaining at the national, sectoral, and company levels; and – the effectiveness of the standard-setting role of trade unions and employers’ associations insofar as they have persisted or come into play. The analysis always keeps in focus the development of labour laws in relation to a number of such interlinked elements as market transformation, type of privatisation of state ownership, and attitudes towards welfare. It draws on both the relevant literature and on twenty-five interviews with legal and policy experts from social partners’ organisations and staff within the ministries for social affairs in the selected countries. In support of the study’s general finding that the laws in CEE countries could provide more stimulus for sectoral and cross-sectoral collective bargaining, the author offers deeply informed recommendations and insights into legal shortcomings and pinpoints how the existing legal frameworks can be enhanced. Any professional or academic in the field of industrial relations, and particularly those concerned with complex transitions such as those occurring in the CEE countries and elsewhere in the world, will find this book of great value.