Jurisprudence

Benjamin Bestgen reflects on arguments for and against the legalisation of assisted dying. In recent weeks, the Isle of Man and Jersey have moved closer to enacting assisted dying laws. Scotland also proposed a bill for debate. The Netherlands, a country with almost three decades of practical a

High Court judges have welcomed new research, co-authored by Mr Justice Richard Humphreys, contradicting an earlier study which suggested that Wikipedia influences judicial decision-making in Ireland. In a paper published last summer, researchers in the US and Ireland said the creation of a Wikipedi

Are you looking for a stocking filler for the lover of legal philosophy in your life? Or perhaps you just want them to stop talking about it. In any case, rejoice, for ILN's jurisprudential primer series has been turned into a book – just in time for Christmas.

Wikipedia is influencing the decision-making of Irish judges, according to ground-breaking new research carried out by academics in the US and Ireland.

Benjamin Bestgen, the author of the jurisprudential primer series published in Scottish Legal News and Irish Legal News, reflects on a year of his articles – from their inception in far-flung New Zealand to their conclusion in besieged Jersey. My little jurisprudential-philosophical thought pi

Benjamin Bestgen this week encourages lawyers to consider the craft of writing. See his last jurisprudential primer here. George Orwell opined in 1946 that written English “is full of bad habits which spread by imitation and which can be avoided if one is willing to take the necessary trouble&

"Travelling with an enormous piece of luggage only seems like a contradiction in terms to those who feel properly dressed for every occasion in T-shirt, jeans, and trainers," writes Bernhard Roetzel. But have times changed and should smart casual or something worse prevail? We hope not. Benjami

Benjamin Bestgen this week discusses violence against women. See his last primer here. One of the fundamental justifications for permitting an organised state, government and law enforcement to exist is that these institutions, and the people who serve in them, are meant to guarantee public safety.

Justice must be done and seen to be done – but whose justice? That is the uncomfortable question Benjamin Bestgen examines this week. See his last jurisprudential primer here. It’s said that the creation of laws sometimes resembles sausage-making: you need a strong stomach if you re

This week Benjamin Bestgen considers swearing, without which many of us would struggle to get through the day. See his last jurisprudential primer here. Unrelated to jurisprudential questions, a colleague recently mentioned the Jersey employment tribunal case of Wilkinson v Fairway Trust Limited [20

Benjamin Bestgen this week explains that the extinction of rights upon death is more complicated a matter than it first seems. See his last jurisprudential primer here. Fans of old-school computer games might still remember Grim Fandango, where the player guides afterlife travel agent Manny Cal

Benjamin Bestgen examines the impact of "respectability" in criminal trials. See last week's jurisprudential primer here. Tropes like the “Gentleman Thief” pick up on the allure of the white-collar criminal: a person who appears respectable, educated, even charming. A worldly, cleve

Benjamin Bestgen considers the fairness of the high standards to which we hold lawyers. Read last week's jurisprudential primer here. The legal profession is a deeply human one and humans are complex creatures. As a species we are capable of extraordinary feats of courage, intellect, wisdom, kindnes

Benjamin Bestgen gives readers an overview of smart contracts this week. See his last jurisprudential primer here. Part of being a lawyer in the 21st century is the necessity to develop a degree of digital literacy, whether you like it or not. The legal world, it is often said, tends to be conservat

Benjamin Bestgen this week contrasts the letter of the law with its spirit. See his last jurisprudential primer here.  As a species, humans value play, sports and games. For example, probably all of us know somebody who enjoys cardgames, boardgames, videogames or various kinds of table-top game