Wozu Junge Rechtshistoriker?

Abstract

The Forum of Young Legal Historians came together in Budapest this year, being inaugurated by high political and clerical dignitaries and accompanied by an impressive cultural program. Following the motto »A new Europe and its Traditions. Ius privatum – ius publicum – ius canonicum« several interesting papers were given, but mostly contributors seemed eager to examine traditions rather than anything »new«. Very traditional, indeed, the entire style of research: To »prove« and »preserve« the past was the intention of many papers given. Legal historical research presents itself, as much with the young as with the old, as both timeless and lost in time, ignoring the fact that anything happening – meaning also research – is happening in present times. More of this presence of mind would be of great help for legal history. One way of gaining this presence could be through modern social theory – a way worth being tried by young legal historians.