This thesis focuses on the duty of independence and impartiality for arbitrators. The starting point is unambiguous: an arbitrator should be independent and impartial. Less unambiguous is the... Show moreThis thesis focuses on the duty of independence and impartiality for arbitrators. The starting point is unambiguous: an arbitrator should be independent and impartial. Less unambiguous is the answer to the question of what this duty of arbitral independence and impartiality entails. This thesis aimed to shed light on this (general) research question.The objective of this doctoral research was twofold. On the one hand, the objective was to gain insight into the way in which the duty of arbitral independence and impartiality is interpreted judicially. To this end, it was examined how the duty is interpreted in arbitration legislation, institutional rules, and (arbitral) court rulings. On the other hand, the objective was to shed light on a number of (open) questions related to the scope of the duty. In this respect, it was examined, among other things, who exactly is subject to the duty, how the duty emerges in arbitration legislation and institutional rules, what the duty aims to achieve, the question from when and to when arbitrators must be independent and impartial, and whether the parties can waive the right to an independent and impartial arbitrator. Show less
Binnen de Nederlandse jeugdhulpverlening komt het voor dat ouders door hulpverleners onder druk worden gezet om ‘vrijwillig’ mee te werken aan hulpverlening, en soms zelfs aan een uithuisplaatsing... Show moreBinnen de Nederlandse jeugdhulpverlening komt het voor dat ouders door hulpverleners onder druk worden gezet om ‘vrijwillig’ mee te werken aan hulpverlening, en soms zelfs aan een uithuisplaatsing van hun kind. Dit wordt in de praktijk ‘drang’ genoemd. Waar het vrijwillige en gedwongen kader van jeugdhulpverlening duidelijk bij wet zijn geregeld, ontbreekt voor het drangkader een wettelijke grondslag. Vanuit verschillende hoeken wordthier kritiek op geuit, omdat dit leidt tot grote onduidelijkheden ten aanzien van de rechtsbescherming en verantwoordelijkheden van betrokkenen.In dit boek worden fundamentele uitgangspunten geformuleerd die gelet op de rechtshistorie en het internationale mensen- en kinderrechtenkader aan het jeugdhulpverleningsstelsel ten grondslag (behoren te) liggen. Vervolgens wordt diepgaand inzicht gegeven in het drangkader, de positie van dit kader binnen het jeugdhulpverleningsstelsel en wat dit betekent voor de rechtsbescherming en verantwoordelijkheden van betrokkenen in de praktijk. Tot slot bevat het boek aanbevelingen ter versterking van de rechten van jeugdigen en ouders die te maken krijgen met jeugdhulp op het snijvlak van het vrijwillige en gedwongen kader. Hiermee is dit boek waardevol voor beleidsmakers en professionals die werkzaam zijn in de praktijk van de jeugdhulpverlening, maar ook voor ouders, jeugdigen enoverige betrokkenen. Show less
This book explores the underlying principles of the law of compensation. To this end, it examines the meaning of four essential concepts: ‘damage’ (schade), ‘benefit’ (voordeel), ‘damage... Show moreThis book explores the underlying principles of the law of compensation. To this end, it examines the meaning of four essential concepts: ‘damage’ (schade), ‘benefit’ (voordeel), ‘damage attribution’ (schadetoerekening) and ‘benefit attribution’ (voordeelstoerekening). As a result of this examination, a three-step approach to compensation law cases becomes apparent. Although this approach is in my opinion widely followed in legal practice, it is usually not made explicit. By doing so, I hope to help legal practitioners clarify andrefine their reasoning and argumentation in compensation law cases and offer guidance in addressing the many challenging questions that arise in this area of law. Show less
Every year, several thousands of companies are declared bankrupt in the Netherlands. The purpose of the bankruptcy proceeding is to distribute the assets of those companies among its creditors. The... Show moreEvery year, several thousands of companies are declared bankrupt in the Netherlands. The purpose of the bankruptcy proceeding is to distribute the assets of those companies among its creditors. The total value of the claims of the creditors, however, almost always greatly exceeds the value of the company’s assets. In approximately 25% of the bankruptcies irregularities have occurred that caused the bankruptcy or increased the deficit in the estate. The societal damage caused by these irregularities is estimated at more than one billion euros per year.The legislator has given bankruptcy trustees a central role in identifying and redressing irregularities. However, the task of the trustee is not without controversy, mainly because the bankruptcy community does not agree with the legislator’s assumption that the task of dealing with irregularities is an extension of the trustee’s core task of liquidating the estate in the interest of the joint creditors.This research examines the discrepancies between the expectations of the legislator and the practice of redressing irregularities by trustees. Based on three empirical studies, it is concluded that the expectations of the legislator have not yet materialized, especially because trustees experience various obstacles when dealing with irregularities. The likelihood of irregularities being addressed does not appear to depend solely on the financial resources in a specific bankruptcy, but also on the person of the trustee and the views of the supervising court and its supervisory judges as perceived by the trustee.The thesis culminated in a number of recommendations to remove obstacles experienced by trustees and a plea for a revision of the primacy of creditors in bankruptcies, in order to promote sustainable liquidation. Show less
In de moderne benadering van het aansprakelijkheidsrecht zijn recht en rechtsvordering van elkaar losgekoppeld. Er wordt veel aandacht besteed aan het bestaan van rechten en plichten, maar minder... Show moreIn de moderne benadering van het aansprakelijkheidsrecht zijn recht en rechtsvordering van elkaar losgekoppeld. Er wordt veel aandacht besteed aan het bestaan van rechten en plichten, maar minder aan de remedie die is verbonden aan een inbreuk op een recht of de schending van een plicht. Het gevolg van deze disjunctieve benadering is dat vooraf onduidelijk kan zijn welke remedie in een bepaald geval – en in welke omvang – passend is. Bovendien is achteraf niet altijd goed uit te leggen waarom juist deze remedie moest worden opgelegd. Dit zorgt voor rechtsonzekerheid en rechtsongelijkheid, waardoor effectieve rechtsbescherming onder druk komt te staan.Recht, plicht, remedie brengt in kaart hoe een relationele benadering van het remedierecht past bij het geldende recht en bespreekt hoe ze bijdraagt aan het vergroten van rechtszekerheid en het verwezenlijken van materieelrechtelijke aanspraken. De auteur legt uit waarom een remedie niet op zichzelf mag worden bezien. De remedie dient voort te vloeien uit de norm waaraan deze is verbonden en de strekking die deze norm heeft. Oftewel: de norm draagt de belofte van een passende remedie in zich. Show less
At the crux of article 5 is an attempt to re-imagine the parent-child relationship. It recognises that all children have a right to be parented with respect and tenderness.THis collection of... Show moreAt the crux of article 5 is an attempt to re-imagine the parent-child relationship. It recognises that all children have a right to be parented with respect and tenderness.THis collection of published manuscripts sheds light on the scope and meaning of the right to parental guidance, and considers its implications for children's enjoyment of rights in medical research. Show less
There has been growing concern about the depredations of platform capitalism, ranging from the erosion of workplace protections to questionable corporate and data governance practices. This PhD... Show moreThere has been growing concern about the depredations of platform capitalism, ranging from the erosion of workplace protections to questionable corporate and data governance practices. This PhD research project investigates the emergence of ‘democratic’ firms, which confer important control and financial rights to the stakeholders that contribute intellectual, social, and use value to a platform. Interdisciplinary research methods were used for this project, combining doctrinal research with the use of a Delphi-study and case studies.This dissertation makes a three-fold contribution to the literature. First, it explores the extent to which democratic firms can ameliorate the socio-economic concerns raised by capital-managed online labour and social media platforms. Second, it unpacks the (socio-)legal obstacles that exist to their formation and governance. Third, it charts pathways towards making such democratic firms more viable. The dissertation found that while factors such as the shifting of risk onto workers and concern about corporate accountability drove interest in democratic firms, start-up costs (e.g., obtaining adequate financing) and governance costs (e.g., member apathy) have been barriers to formation. Potential solutions are tentatively offered to overcome these barriers, from the use of degradable reputation tools to the joint development of a platform’s intellectual property. Show less
Article 162(2) of Book 6 of the Dutch Civil Code sets out the central concept of non-contractual liability law by providing a definition of what is deemed a tortious act. The list of different... Show moreArticle 162(2) of Book 6 of the Dutch Civil Code sets out the central concept of non-contractual liability law by providing a definition of what is deemed a tortious act. The list of different types of tortious acts concludes with the qualification: ‘except for the presence of a ground of justification’. Thus, the door to the exception to the core of non-contractual liability law has been left wide open. A fascination for this ‘escape’ incorporated in Dutch liability law was one of the motives for this dissertation. This study set out on a journey of discovery through the full breadth of non-contractual liability law, constantly viewed from the perspective of the exception to the rule. The first part of the dissertation is a general exploration of the area of research. The different types of torts are described, the concepts of justification and grounds of justification are defined and the distinction between the grounds of exculpation is provided, and a comparision with criminal law is made. The second part of the study classifies the subject matter. For this purpose, the different types of justifications are defined and divided into categories: complete, incomplete and conditional justifications. The third part of the dissertation is devoted to the principles of justification: culpa in causa and proportionality and subsidiarity. The focus of the book then shifts to the content of the justification. To that end, in the fourth part of the book justification is considered in light of wrongfulness, guilt and relativity. The fifth and final part of the dissertation deals with the legal effects of the presence of a justification: the impact on the judgements of the act and of the obligation to compensate. Show less
With advancements in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), more and more individuals across the globe want access to these medical miracles, not only to realise their desire for offspring but... Show moreWith advancements in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), more and more individuals across the globe want access to these medical miracles, not only to realise their desire for offspring but also to realise their desires for specific offspring and/or healthy offspring. South Africans are no exception. The challenge posed by this situation is that there is no specific right to reproduce with assistance in this country. Instead, there are certain general constitutional rights which may be interpreted as affording recognition to this right. Moreover, while the current legislative framework permits certain forms of ART, it expressly prohibits others, or it fails to make provision for newer and emerging technologies entirely. As a result, prospective parents are uncertain about the reproductive options available to them. Increasingly individuals are approaching the courts for clarity regarding their rights. The results have however been conflicting. Additionally, divergent views on the applicability of children's rights to prospective offspring is a complicating factor, which has yet to be resolved in South Africa (SA).This thesis, therefore, attempts to contribute to the existing knowledge on the legal rights of prospective parents to make use of ART in SA. It does so, by firstly exploring the current legal framework for assisted reproduction (AR). It additionally explores the legal implications of AR for the various parties concerned, in particular the prospective parents and the future child; and how their interests are balanced, if at all. What emerges from this investigation is that tension exists between the interests of these parties.The study further considers the existence of a right to reproduce from a global perspective. Given that there is no such express right, the thesis considers how the right has been given effect to by applying other rights. In this regard five primary rights have been identified, namely the rights to reproductive autonomy, reproductive health care, dignity, equality and privacy. The thesis then examines how the rights identified above have been interpreted to recognise reproductive rights and whether these interpretations would be useful in recognising the right to reproduce with assistance in SA.The thesis concludes that while the right to reproductive autonomy offers the most recognition to prospective parents’ rights to make use of certain forms of ART, it too is inadequate. To address this shortcoming, the study calls for legislative reform as well as wider interpretations of rights to accommodate various family forms. The need to adopt an interconnected approach that considers both the rights of the prospective parents and the potential offspring is also proposed. This however requires a consistent approach to be applied in respect of the interests of prospective offspring, which is currently lacking. These recommendations would go a long way towards realising the right to reproduce with assistance in SA and it would undoubtedly provide clarity on the existence of this right. Show less
As illustrated by the Global Financial Crisis and the more recent Covid-19 pandemic, when asset prices fall, margin levels increase and highly leveraged financial institutions are forced to... Show moreAs illustrated by the Global Financial Crisis and the more recent Covid-19 pandemic, when asset prices fall, margin levels increase and highly leveraged financial institutions are forced to deleverage, causing market participants to ‘run’ in advance of other market participants motivated to do exactly the same thing. As a result, a vicious cycle can emerge where lenders raise margin levels thereby demanding more financial collateral, forcing de-leveraging and more asset fire sales, eventually generating a downward leverage and liquidity spiral. The source of this instability is a recurring phenomenon involving the build-up of leverage that makes the economy particularly vulnerable to financial crises.My dissertation investigates the use of collateral transactions in the shadow banking sector. In particular, it will argue for the introduction of more stringent margin measures to tame financial uncertainty by limiting leverage and dampen procyclicality. One plausible way to restrict leverage is to impose minimum margin regulation, which would ex-ante limit the amount of leverage a financial institution can obtain. This dissertation will therefore propose four complementary measures that would ultimately result in a harmonised legal and regulatory margin framework in the EU shadow banking sector. Show less
This dissertation provides a comparative study on the rationale of publicity in the law of corporeal movables and claims. It examines possession, notification, and documental recordation as a means... Show moreThis dissertation provides a comparative study on the rationale of publicity in the law of corporeal movables and claims. It examines possession, notification, and documental recordation as a means of publicity by paying attention to English law, German law, and Dutch law. In this dissertation, a system of registration is argued to be introduced in the transaction concerning corporeal movables and claims. In the end, some proposals are made for Chinese law. Show less
The credit rating industry called for many debates on its civil liability since the origin of the industry at the beginning of the twentieth century. In 2013, the Union legislature introduced a... Show moreThe credit rating industry called for many debates on its civil liability since the origin of the industry at the beginning of the twentieth century. In 2013, the Union legislature introduced a right to damages, which issuers and investors can directly enforce against credit rating agencies under Article 35a CRA Regulation. This provision has drawn attention because of its remarkable structure: Article 35a CRA Regulation introduced a legal ground for civil liability at the European level, while general tort law has not been harmonised at the European level. The thesis investigates Article 35a CRA Regulation from multiple legal perspectives. Combining EU law, Private International Law and Dutch, French, German and English national private law, this book answers the main question of whether Article 35a CRA Regulation achieves its post-crisis goal of being an adequate right of redress for issuers and investors whilst it has to be interpreted under various systems of national law. In answering this question, the book takes a broader European approach and also rates the usefulness of Article 35a CRA Regulation as a European template for civil liability to be used by the Union legislature. Show less
This research considers the development of the concept of insolvency close-out netting under the laws of England, France and the US, as representative of common law, civil law and eclectic systems... Show moreThis research considers the development of the concept of insolvency close-out netting under the laws of England, France and the US, as representative of common law, civil law and eclectic systems respectively. It concludes that the legal systems of these jurisdictions have influenced the recognition of insolvency close-out netting with varying degrees. English common law has exerted the most influence whilst the French regime is most ready to develop according to market practices notwithstanding the precepts of civil law. The US legal system exerts a more balanced influence. These conclusions are based on preliminary replies to three sub-questions, namely (i) whether the development of close-out netting in these jurisdictions has been influenced by national set-off rules, (ii) whether the recognition given to close-out netting provisions has been affected by the norms of national insolvency laws and state insolvency goals, and (iii) whether, following the global financial crisis of 2008 – 2009, a convergence can be noted in the restrictions imposed on the recognition of close-out netting provisions under their national resolution regimes. The choice of the research question serves to map the national netting regimes of England, France and the US in a global perspective. It seeks to examine from various perspectives the adaptability and amenability of their national law regimes to accommodate this important contractual provision and serves to demystify stereotypes which have come to be associated with certain jurisdictions in their approach and readiness to uphold creditors’ rights. Show less
This dissertation investigated what the legal framework for recognition of foreign bank resolution actions should be. It aims to fulfil the current gap in legislative actions and scholarly research... Show moreThis dissertation investigated what the legal framework for recognition of foreign bank resolution actions should be. It aims to fulfil the current gap in legislative actions and scholarly research on the issue of cross-border bank resolution and attempts to formulate rules that would facilitate resolution actions effective across borders so as to achieve the ultimate goal of a global orderly resolution for banks. This dissertation conducts both normative and positive analysis and compares three jurisdictions, namely, the European Union, the United States and China. Building on the traditional legal doctrines of private international law, financial law and insolvency law, this dissertation proposes ten principles that should apply in recognition of foreign bank resolution actions. Show less
This study identifies the human rights of children who live in foster care due to a family supervision order, and analyses the extent to which Dutch laws and regulations protect these rights. The... Show moreThis study identifies the human rights of children who live in foster care due to a family supervision order, and analyses the extent to which Dutch laws and regulations protect these rights. The aim of the research is to provide insight into the rights of foster children regarding four important decisions about their lives. Although the interests of the child are often taken as a starting point for these decisions, this does not do justice to the recognition of children as subjects of rights. After all, individual interpretations of the best interests of the child will inevitably depend on the normative frameworks of the decision-maker. It is argued that by identifying which children's rights can be derived from a human rights framework, children in foster care can be given stronger protection when making decisions about their life. The study concludes that the literal text of Dutch laws and regulations does not usually conflict with children's and human rights. Yet in many cases, foster children have no effective means of invoking their rights. Therefore recommendations are being made to amend the law and regulations to better protect the rights of children in foster care. Show less
Het onderzoek betreft de civielrechtelijke en fiscale aspecten van (testamentair) bewind, certificering en trusts/entiteiten die kwalificeren als afgezonderd particulier vermogen (APV). Vanuit... Show moreHet onderzoek betreft de civielrechtelijke en fiscale aspecten van (testamentair) bewind, certificering en trusts/entiteiten die kwalificeren als afgezonderd particulier vermogen (APV). Vanuit civielrechtelijk perspectief is onderzocht in hoeverre deze figuren kunnen leiden tot een duurzame scheiding van zeggenschap en belang, zowel algemeen als in relatie tot de legitieme portie. Voorts zijn de fiscale gevolgen geanalyseerd, waarbij de focus ligt op de inkomstenbelasting en schenk- en erfbelasting. In geval van geconstateerde fiscale belemmeringen is onderzocht of deze het gevolg zijn van juridische onvolkomenheden in de wetgeving. Voorts is een voorstel gedaan om deze belemmeringen weg te nemen. The research regards the civil law and fiscal aspects of (testamentary) administration, the exchange of assets for depositary receipts and trusts/entities that qualify as separated private estates as defined by the Dutch Income Tax Act 2001. The civil law research focuses on the question to what extent these legal arrangements can be used to create a durable division between control and beneficial ownership, both generally and in relation to the Dutch forced heirship rules. In addition the Dutch fiscal consequences have been analysed, with a focus on personal income tax and gift and inheritance tax. In case of fiscal impediments the analysis includes the question whether these impediments are caused by imperfections in Dutch fiscal law and proposals to remove these impediments have been made. Show less
With access to and usage of it increasing dramatically over the past 20 years, the Internet has become an emerging realm for human interaction. With children constituting one-third of Internet... Show moreWith access to and usage of it increasing dramatically over the past 20 years, the Internet has become an emerging realm for human interaction. With children constituting one-third of Internet users worldwide, this realm offers endless opportunities to learn, connect, and interact. At the same time, the Internet facilitates child sexual abuse on a large scale – through the production, dissemination, and accessing of child sexual abuse material.This study aims to critically analyse emerging aspects of the international and national regulation, investigation and prosecution of online child sexual abuse material from a child-rights and rule-of-law-based approach. It investigates emerging aspects of substantive and procedural law which have been little explored in the past, zooming in on complex constitutional aspects by applying a comparative legal analysis approach with a strong focus on the Global South as well as interdisciplinary legal research.In order to solve these complex legal issues, the answer lies in the identification and subsequent navigation of a variety of dichotomies that govern the discourse on online child sexual abuse material. The international and national regulation, investigation and prosecution of emerging aspects of online child sexual abuse material hence require constant identification, reflection and calibration of competing discourses, with a view to developing a cyber-specific yet victim-sensitive response that upholds the rule of law and takes a child-centred approach. Show less
Het Europese non-foodproductveiligheidsrecht bevat productnormen die veelal als publiekrechtelijk worden bestempeld. Bij de harmonisatie gebruikt de Europese wetgever verschillende soorten... Show moreHet Europese non-foodproductveiligheidsrecht bevat productnormen die veelal als publiekrechtelijk worden bestempeld. Bij de harmonisatie gebruikt de Europese wetgever verschillende soorten productnormen, namelijk bindende eisen in richtlijnen en verordeningen en niet-bindende Europese normalisatienormen. De literatuur neemt aan dat Europese productnormen ook invloed kunnen hebben op de privaatrechtelijke normen die gelden in rechtsverhoudingen tussen bijvoorbeeld de eindgebruiker van het product en andere partijen in de handelsketen, alsmede tussen concurrenten. Dit onderzoek beantwoordt de vraag wat de exacte betekenis is van Europese productnormen voor privaatrechtelijke normstelling. Wanneer is een productnorm slechts een van de relevante omstandigheden van het geval bij de formulering van een privaatrechtelijke norm? Wanneer vult een productnorm een privaatrechtelijke norm grotendeels in, in de zin dat de productnorm het uitgangspunt vormt? Van welke omstandigheden en factoren is deze betekenis afhankelijk?Het onderzoek biedt de lezer een nadere introductie in het wat onderbelichte Europese productveiligheidsrecht en beantwoordt de hoofdvraag aan de hand van een Europeesrechtelijk, institutioneel en privaatrechtelijk perspectief. De privaatrechtelijke analyse ziet op de belangrijkste Nederlandse rechtsgronden voor doorwerking van productnormen en bevat rechtsvergelijking met het Engelse en Duitse recht. Bovendien vindt een uitvoerige analyse van Nederlandse feitenrechtspraak plaats om te zien hoe feitenrechters in de praktijk met productnormen bij de invulling van privaatrechtelijke normen omgaan. Het onderzoek besluit met een overzicht van gezichtspunten die behulpzaam kunnen zijn bij het beoordelen van de betekenis van productnormen voor privaatrechtelijke normstelling in concrete gevallen. Show less
The dissertation offers a comprehensive description of rules and regulations on Related Party Transactions (RPTs) and corporate groups in Ukrainian corporate law. Besides Ukraine, the following... Show moreThe dissertation offers a comprehensive description of rules and regulations on Related Party Transactions (RPTs) and corporate groups in Ukrainian corporate law. Besides Ukraine, the following jurisdictions were chosen for analysis: the Netherlands, Germany, Poland and the EU overall. The author investigates how and to what extent RPTs are covered by the existing legal requirements on capital protection and corporate group regulation, highlighting experiences and strategies adopted in the studied jurisdictions. Beyond his comparative analysis of the current status, the author offers recommendations for more effective handling of RPTs in Ukraine, investigating such aspects as the following: what constitutes a corporate group and how group issues are regulated in the various legal systems; what constitutes a conflict of interest originating in ownership and control and what types of such conflicts occur; whether RPTs within corporate groups should receive special treatment relative to transactions outside groups; combatting corporate raiding, most often carried out through illegal seizure of corporate assets; approval and disclosure requirements for RPTs; and how information about RPTs is disclosed publicly. Show less
