Introduction to A Research Agenda for Property Law

The law of property is often perceived as a static area of law that has been left unchanged for decades or even centuries. Although property relations are designed to be durable, and therefore the legal system is designed to ensure certainty and continuity for these relations, that does not mean that there are no developments. As the world changes, for example in terms of globalisation, technological developments and climate change, the expectations we have of our legal system as well as of ourselves and our neighbours change with it. The law of property is a stability factor in our economic systems and therefore any amendment or innovation is to be approached carefully and considered from many angles before it is adopted. Changes may provide opportunities for current or future market participants but always have effect against those that currently hold existing property rights. The balance between innovation and certainty for current right holders has been one of the leading themes in property law since the times of Roman law. This book offers insights into some core aspects of the current state of property law. It offers perspectives from a wide variety of authors from various places on earth. It does not cover every aspect of property as that would be undoable. Authors focus on their expertise and provide insights into how they view the field. Reading through the whole therefore offers an organised kaleidoscope. A final chapter intends to raise some commonalities between the various chapters.