The research seminars are intended to explore judicial approaches to resolving difficult and contentious societal problems, ranging from climate protection to race relations. Judicial decision-making at the local, national and supranational levels, as well as alternative dispute resolution approaches, will be considered. The focus will be on the following thematic questions that may arise within a diverse array of contexts and settings. 

Sustainable justice

The components of an optimally functioning legal system include access to justice, legal protection, and effective conflict resolution. How can the judiciary best respond to expectations regarding its problem-solving capacities in concrete cases? What are the consequences of this for access to justice and legal protection for parties involved? What other forms of legal and extralegal dispute resolution are currently being employed, how do these differ from traditional approaches, and to what extent do they resolve underlying problems? 

The courtroom as a social arena   

There are also questions on a macro level about the proper role of the judiciary in addressing socially or politically charged cases. What processes lead to contentious issues coming before the courts? How do judges contribute to solving societal problems and how does this impact the legitimacy of the courts? How does the way procedures are set up affect citizens’ possibilities for litigation? Should the function of the courtroom as a societal arena be reinforced or constrained? 

These seminars are intended to bring together academics from across Leiden University to share ideas and collaborate on mechanisms and strategies that best promote effective and inclusive conflict resolution. We welcome interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research on any topic that aligns with the theme of the seminar series. The sessions will be delivered in a hybrid format (online and in-person, where feasible). The language of the seminars will be English, though some sessions may also be conducted in Dutch. 

If you are interested in becoming a presenter, please contact Asmaa Khadim at a.n.khadim@law.leidenuniv.nl.