Research Montaigne Centre

The Montaigne Center's mission is to conduct socially relevant and multidimensional research - covering diverse disciplines, fields of law and methodologies - into the rule of law and administration justice, with a focus on the national, European and international legal order.

The main question that is central to our research programme 2025-2030:

What contributes to the administration of meaningful justice and the rule of law?

The main question includes two core concepts 1) the administration of meaningful justice and 2) the rule of law. These core concepts can be examined independently and in conjunction with each other. Within these core concepts, we conduct research into the question of whether and how meaningful justice can be done within the framework of the rule of law –  it is then not only about what is  actually done , but also about the results that are achieved. We also investigate the different ways in which the rule of law can be understood and the role of (international) (human rights) law and actors in making it sustainable and resilient. in making it permanent and resilient. Attention is also paid to innovations within the rule of law for the benefit of the individual or society as a whole. Here too we study the law and consider the role of the various (state and non-state) actors in it. other.

We highlight these core concepts from five different perspectives, to which different legal areas or disciplines can contribute, with different emphases (see the figure below, left). The broader perspective of Conflict Resolution and Prevention is essential to complement the more limited function of (traditional) legal dispute resolution through litigation (see the figure below, on the right). More explanation about these figures can be found in the expandable section directly below.

Left: Five perspectives on “meaningful justice". Right: the perspective of Conflict Resolution

Sub-questions

The following sub-questions are central to the research programme 2025-2030:


  • What further interpretation can be given to the administration of meaningful justice?
  • What are important national, European and international constitutional values and principles and what are their meaning?
  • What further explanation or interpretation can be given to the five (formulated) perspectives: democratic, durable , resilient, people oriented and inclusive, and conflict solving/preventing?
  • What are important mandatory and non-mandatory rules within the rule of law , both at national, European and international level?
  • Which (state and non-state) actors have what role or what role they should have, both formally and informally?
  • Which interests or needs of individuals and/or society as a whole are present and which are relevant in the light of our core concepts?
  • Which (rule of law) developments or innovations are visible and/or necessary?

Methods

The research of the Montaigne Centre represents a broad arsenal of research methods. In addition to traditional legal research methods such as literature study and analysis of legislation and case law, our researchers also conduct legal theory, legal sociology, legal philosophy and comparative law research, in which a ‘critical perspective’ is not avoided. ELS is an important part of the Montaigne Centre. The researchers within the Montaigne Centre also have success from other disciplines (such as social sciences, economics) and/or have experience with qualitative or quantitative empirical research methods. Where we lack fundamental knowledge and/or research skills in our research institute, we seek collaboration with colleagues from other research groups, departments or faculties.

You can request the complete research programme of the Montaigne Centre by email via montaignecentrum@uu.nl.