Methods and Legal Comparison

Challenges for Methodological Pluralism

Roberto Scarciglia, Professor of Comparative Law, Department of Political and Social Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy

This comprehensive book explores different methods and approaches to legal comparison, considering how they are perceived and understood by the reader. It examines how comparative discussion can be used effectively in both the classroom and courtroom. The author builds on both analytical and methodological perspectives to provide an insight into the phenomenon of legal pluralism across global legal systems.

‘The global scholarly community has long lamented the inadequacy of methods used by comparative law scholars to analyze current legal systems and called for expanding and pluralizing the vocabularies and practices of the discipline. Professor Scarciglia’s book will be an invaluable aid to comparative law students navigating this moment of paradigm change. It offers the necessary tools, skillfully explains the relevant context, and wisely articulates guidelines for anyone who intends to embark on a journey in comparative law.’
– Annelise Riles, Northwestern Buffett Institute for Global Affairs

‘This brilliant book is an indispensable resource for exploring comparative law''s methodological frontiers with a learned and inspiring guide. It offers insightful up-to-date discussions of current approaches to the subject, making it essential reading for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the field.’
– Michele Graziadei, University of Torino, Italy

‘Comparative lawyers, and aspiring comparative lawyers, will be delighted to see the publication of Scarciglia’s new book. It introduces key methods and concepts of understanding comparative law in a global context, but it also moves comparative law in new directions as it advocates for the need for methodological pluralism in this field.’
– Mathias Siems, European University Institute, Italy

‘This book provides a reliable, concise and up-to-date introduction to comparative methodology of legal research. Building on methodological pluralism, Scarciglia shows the value of collaboration across different disciplines as a way of avoiding superficial comparisons. A must-read for anyone interested in studying law comparatively in a globalising world.’
– Jaakko Husa, University of Helsinki, Finland