CITIZENS-LAW

Recent developments in Hungary and Poland have led to a crisis of the rule of law in the European Union. The current approach to ending this crisis emphasizes the legal foundations of the rule of law, but so far it has not been very effective. If we want the rule of law to really matter, we must look at the social foundations of the rule of law in addition to the legal aspects. Do people know the law, do they recognize and use it? While much research has been done on the legal aspects, the social foundations of the rule of law are still largely a ‘black box’.

The research project ‘CITIZENS-LAW. Towards a New Approach to Strengthen the Rule of Law in Europe: Incorporating EU Citizens’ Perceptions of Law’ analyzes the societal views on the law in the Netherlands, Denmark and Hungary through empirical legal research. Innovative research methods such as surveys, focus groups, photo interviews and social media analysis are used for this purpose. The outcomes of the research will be translated into a new ‘governance toolkit’ to strengthen the rule of law in Europe.

Duration of the project

2021 - 2025

Awarded grant

750,000 euros, obtained from NWO Open Competition SGW

Contact person at our Faculty

Prof. dr. M.L.M. (Marc) Hertogh

Websites with additional information