Meijers’ impact still felt in Leiden 70 years after his death
Eduard Meijers, former rector magnificus of Leiden University, is known as the founder of the Dutch Civil Code. A symposium held on 24 June 2024 reflected on his extensive legacy.
Meijers' work spans many legal disciplines. He worked as professor of civil law at Leiden's law faculty between 1910 and 1950, and his legacy is still felt today. The symposium therefore concluded with a memorable event when Meijers' gown was returned to Leiden!
Meijers the orderly fox
Professor Matthias Haentjens opened the symposium and explained that the programme would demonstrate the versatility of Meijers' work. In doing so, he referred to philosopher Isaiah Berlin's famous comparison of the hedgehog and the fox– where the hedgehog knows everything about one thing, but the fox knows something about everything. To Professor Haentjens, Meijers was like the fox. However, he also emphasised Meijers' need to focus his attention and work in an orderly fashion. A common thread throughout his work, making him an ‘unusual’ fox. In his presentation, Professor Alex Geert Castermans then spoke about Meijers' research early in his career on rural working conditions. Professor Vanessa Mak discussed the political nature of the Civil Code and wondered how Meijers would feel about the current application of his work in cases where judges encounter social problems. Professor Edgar du Perron of the University of Amsterdam gave a humorous description of Meijers' daily tour of the Supreme Court.
After enjoying a coffee break in the sun, Professor Egbert Koops spoke on the impact of Meijers on legal history, Meijers' greatest passion of all. Professor Vincent Sagaert of KU Leuven then talked about the influence of Meijers' work on foreign codes of law, focusing in particular on the recent reform of the Belgian Civil Code, a project in which Professor Sagaert himself is closely involved. Professor Cees Maris concluded the programme by shedding new light on Meijers' merits for legal theory and his friendship with Amsterdam legal scholar Paul Scholten.
The return of Meijers' gown
Thanks to Professor Maris, Meijers' gown has now been returned to Leiden Law School. Professor Maris has donated the garment Meijers wore as a professor in his Leiden days to the faculty. He signed a gift agreement with Dean Suzan Stoter – a special moment that was also attended by Rector Hester Bijl. Professor Maris was given the gown by his predecessor Jan Glastra van Loon and had the pleasure of wearing it himself for many years. He said, ‘It’s now time for Meijers' gown to return to its place of origin and destination.’ The gown will eventually be given a special place in the Kamerlingh Onnes Building, but this summer it will remain on display in a special showcase in the Academy Building, next to the beadle's office. So do come and take a look!
Symposium publication
A special symposium publication will appear later this year containing the speakers’ contributions. The volume (in Dutch) will also include contributions from other legal scholars from Leiden University and beyond.
Photos: Hielco Kuipers Fotoprodukties.
The symposium was organised by Vanessa Mak, Matthias Haentjens, Bastiaan Rijpkema and Tim Lubbers. They are grateful to Rick van Egmond and Marleen Dieke of the Leiden Law Academy as well as Sverre Lenting for their assistance in organising the event.