About us
Central Idea
The central idea of the graduate school programme 'The Economics of the Internationalisation of the Law’ arises primarily from the application of the instruments and methods developed within the economic analysis of the law to issues of international law and its interdependency with national legal norms. The working language of the graduate school is English and the aim is to equip students with the tools to be able to contribute to the international academic discours.
The emphasis on ‘Internationalisation’ specifically highlights the fact that legal norms are increasingly derived at the levels of international law rather than through national jurisdictions. Thus the national structure of norms is subject to an expanding influence of, and partial substitution by, international law.
Interdisciplinary Approach
The interdisciplinary training provides a significant value added for the participating doctoral students. Lawyers with in-depth economic knowledge and economists who are able to contribute the understanding of (international) legal relationships are still rare. However, in light of the expanding internationalisation in almost all areas of the law, such skills are crucially important in the realms of research, (international) business, national public administration as well as at the levels of European and international organisations. Furthermore, the doctoral students stand to benefit from the longstanding experience of the faculty in running interdisciplinary, structured PhD programs.
Law and Economics in Hamburg
The economic analysis of the law is an area of prime expertise which has earned international recognition through high-profile research and publications at three very reputable institutions in Hamburg: the University of Hamburg (faculty of law and department of econonomics), the Bucerius Law School and the Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law. Simultaneously young scientists have consistently been supported and advanced through these institutions and the large network of international partners. Moreover, the transnational legal relations emerged as a focal point of research in the Law Faculty of the University of Hamburg. This is not least reflected in the strategic direction of the faculty, who have placed a core research focus on the future regulatory task of the law with regard to the increasing influence of economic considerations and globalisation.