Dicey Morris and Collins on the Conflict of Laws

"Dicey, Morris & Collins on the Conflict of Laws" is a renowned English law textbook that has been a cornerstone in the field of private international law for over a century. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

The book primarily focuses on the conflict of laws, which is the branch of law that deals with the interaction between different legal systems. It explores how the law of England and Wales relates to other legal systems, covering a wide range of topics including family law, property law, succession and trusts, corporations and insolvency, and the law of obligations.

Plot Summary

The book is structured in a series of "Rules," a format that dates back to A.V. Dicey's initial formulation of the text from first principles. This approach has been influential in shaping the development of conflict of laws, as judges often cite these rules as authoritative propositions in their rulings. The text provides an in-depth analysis of the principles and practice governing private international law, making it a comprehensive resource for legal scholars and practitioners.

Critical Reception

"Dicey, Morris & Collins" is widely regarded as the "gold standard" in academic writing on conflict of laws. It has been described as the foremost authority on private international law, and its influence extends beyond academic circles to judicial decisions. The book's reputation is underscored by its long history of continuous publication, with the 16th edition being the latest iteration, and its ongoing relevance in contemporary legal practice.

Editors

The book has had several principal editors throughout its history:

• A.V. Dicey: The constitutional scholar and Vinerian Professor of English Law who initially formulated the text.
• John H.C. Morris: A key editor who contributed significantly to the development of the book.
• Lord Collins of Mapesbury: A solicitor and later judge who played a crucial role in shaping the text.
• Professor Jonathan Harris QC: Joint general editor since 2015, along with Lord Collins of Mapesbury.
• Other notable editors: Include A. Berriedale Keith, Professor C.G.J. Morse, Professor David McClean, Professor Adrian Briggs, Professor Campbell McLachlan QC, Professor Andrew Dickinson, and Professor Peter McEleavy.

Format

The book's unique format, consisting of "Rules," has been influential in shaping the subject matter. This format has been self-reinforcing, as judges often cite these rules in their decisions, further solidifying their authority.

Editions

The book has been continuously updated, with the 16th edition being the latest. The 15th edition was also widely recognized as a comprehensive resource in the field.

In summary, "Dicey, Morris & Collins on the Conflict of Laws" is a seminal work in private international law, renowned for its academic rigor and practical application. Its influence extends from academic circles to judicial decisions, making it a cornerstone in the field of conflict of laws.