Case Law and its Binding Effect in the System of Formal Sources
of Law

J 2018

Case Law and its Binding Effect in the System of Formal Sources of Law

GEALFOW, John Altair

Basic information

Original name

Case Law and its Binding Effect in the System of Formal Sources of Law

Name in Czech

Judikatura a její závaznost v systému formálních pramenů práva

Authors

GEALFOW, John Altair (203 Czech Republic, guarantor, belonging to the institution)

Edition

The Journal of the University of Latvia (Juridiskā zinātne / Law), University of Latvia, 2018, 1691-7677

Other information

Language

English

Type of outcome

Article in a journal

Field of Study

50501 Law

Country of publisher

Latvia

Confidentiality degree

is not subject to a state or trade secret

References:

Open access časopisu

RIV identification code

RIV/00216224:14220/18:00103538

Organization unit

Faculty of Law

Keywords (in Czech)

závaznost soudních rozhodnutí; princip právní jistoty; předvídatelnost soudních rozhodnutí; formální prameny práva; judikatura; autonomní prameny práva; precedenční závaznost rozhodnutí; právní stát

Keywords in English

binding effect of judicial decisions; principle of legal certainty; predictability of judicial decisions; formal sources of law; case law; autonomy of sources of law; precedential binding effect; legal state; rule of law

Abstract

V originále

The author proposes changes to the traditional concept of formal sources of law. This concept originates in the 18th century, but it fails in adapting to the development of the law, especially in relation to principles of legal certainty and predictability of legal decisions. The definition of formal sources of law is also vague and unclear and it brings more problems than it offers solutions and insight. To replace it, the author offers a new distinction – based on the criterion of autonomy of the sources of law. To support his arguments, the author compares the status of court decisions in common law and civil law systems but also focuses on the difference between individual countries belonging to the civil law system. The comparative criteria are mainly focusing on the nature and strength of the binding effect of the case law for the lower courts, but also on institutional aspects within the court hierarchy, e.g. if a judge can be liable in any way for ignoring a source of law.

Files attached

published_J.A.G._-_Case_Law_and_its_Binding_Effect_in_the_System_of_Formal_Cources_of_Law.pdf File version

Citovat

GEALFOW, John Altair. Case Law and its Binding Effect in the System of Formal Sources of Law. The Journal of the University of Latvia (Juridiskā zinātne / Law). University of Latvia, 2018, vol. 11, No 1, p. 38-61. ISSN 1691-7677.

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   language = {eng},
   issn = {1691-7677},
   journal = {The Journal of the University of Latvia (Juridiskā zinātne / Law)},
   title = {Case Law and its Binding Effect in the System of Formal Sources of Law},
   url = {https://www.journaloftheuniversityoflatvialaw.lu.lv/fileadmin/user_upload/lu_portal/projekti/journaloftheuniversityoflatvialaw/No11/J_Gealfow.pdf},
   volume = {11},
   year = {2018}
}

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N2  - The author proposes changes to the traditional concept of formal sources of law. This concept originates in the 18th century, but it fails in adapting to the development of the law, especially in relation to principles of legal certainty and predictability of legal decisions. The definition of formal sources of law is also vague and unclear and it brings more problems than it offers solutions and insight. To replace it, the author offers a new distinction – based on the criterion of autonomy of the sources of law. To support his arguments, the author compares the status of court decisions in common law and civil law systems but also focuses on the difference between individual countries belonging to the civil law system. The comparative criteria are mainly focusing on the nature and strength of the binding effect of the case law for the lower courts, but also on institutional aspects within the court hierarchy, e.g. if a judge can be liable in any way for ignoring a source of law.
ER  -

GEALFOW, John Altair. Case Law and its Binding Effect in the System of Formal Sources of Law. \textit{The Journal of the University of Latvia (Juridiskā zinātne / Law)}. University of Latvia, 2018, vol.~11, No~1, p.~38-61. ISSN~1691-7677.

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