The relationship between the media and politics is close and often characterized by tensions. Politicians often are accused of being led by short-lived media cycles in their actions, thereby... Show moreThe relationship between the media and politics is close and often characterized by tensions. Politicians often are accused of being led by short-lived media cycles in their actions, thereby losing sight of broader societal interests. At the same time, the media are accused of primarily seeking out conflicts and sensational news which is detrimental to both politics and society. This dissertation provides an empirical test of these claims based on unique data from experimental studies with elected politicians and political journalists in Switzerland and the Netherlands. What media reports trigger politicians to take parliamentary action? And how and when do messages from political parties get picked up by journalists? The answers to these two questions presented in the first part of the book provide the basis for a unique direct comparison of the selection mechanisms politicians and journalists apply in the final part. Show less
Contractual Capacity in Private International Law contains a wide comparative study of reference rules in respect of the competence of a natural person to create rights and duties by... Show more Contractual Capacity in Private International Law contains a wide comparative study of reference rules in respect of the competence of a natural person to create rights and duties by concluding a contract with another (natural or juristic) person. In many common-law and mixed jurisdictions the legal position in this regard is remarkably unclear; it is nevertheless of significant practical importance. Sixty-five legal systems are investigated, from the civil-law, common-law and the mixed civil/common-law tradition, as located in Africa, Australasia, Europe, the Far East, the Middle East, North America and South America, together with all relevant regional, supranational and international instruments. The study leads to a detailed recommendation, which is presented in both a narrative and a codified form, in respect of the law that should govern contractual capacity. The proposed rules may be employed in the judicial interpretation, supplementation and development of the norm complex of private international law, particularly in common-law and mixed jurisdictions. They may also be considered for the purposes of future national, regional, supranational and international instruments. Show less
