BOOK: Boudewijn SIRKS (ed.), contr. Christian BROM, Egbert KOOPS & Tim VAN POLANEN, The Observationes tumultuariae of Johan van Bleiswijk (1684–1748) [Legal History Library, eds. Dirk HEIRBAUT, Michelle McKINLEY, Matthew C. MIROW & C.H. VAN RHEE, 81] (Leiden/Boston: Martinus Nijhoff/Brill, 2026), ISBN 9789004750630, € 157,94

 

(image source: Brill)

Abstract:

In the Dutch Republic, courts made decisions by voting and judgments were not given reasoned motivations. Although some judges kept a record of the preceding deliberations, the only extensive collections we have had until recently from the eighteenth century are those of van Bijnkershoek and Pauw. Fortunately, we are also in possession of the Observationes of Johan van Bleiswijk (in 1723–1748 a colleague of van Bijnkershoek). Van Bleiswijk provides an overview of the various opinions relating to cases at the time, but also expounds on his own views. In this way, he sheds light on his own perspective and legal views. Hence, van Bleiswijk’s Observationes are a most welcome addition to our knowledge of judicial decision-making in the Dutch Republic.

On the editor:

Boudewijn Sirks is Emeritus Regius Professor of Civil Law at the University of Oxford and Fellow of All Souls College. He has published articles on the Hoge Raad (Supreme Court) of Holland and Zeeland in the Dutch Republic and edited C. van Bijnkershoek, W. Pauw, Index in observationes tumultuarias (2005). 

Read more here: DOI  10.1163/9789004750616.