1. Spring 2003 Class 2 The Chthonic Legal Tradition
COMPARATIVE LAW
Spring 2003
Class 2
The Chthonic Legal Tradition

2. “CHTHONIC”
What does “chthonic” mean”?

3. MEANING OF CHTHONIC
chthonic (THONE-ik), adjective: dwelling in or under the earth; also, pertaining to the underworld
Chthonic comes from  (khthón), the Greek word for earth.

4. TODAY’S CLASS The Chthonic Legal Tradition, viewed broadly
I will first introduce H. Patrick Glenn, the author of your book, Legal Traditions of the World
We will then consider the nature of a chthonic legal tradition
We will then discuss some examples of chthonic legal traditions that persist (at least in part) in the present day.

5. H. Patrick Glenn Teaches at McGill University in Montreal
Teaches and has research interests in the areas of comparative law, private international law, and judicial law. His latest sabbatical year was spent in Mexico and during the year he also taught at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland.

6. More on Professor Glenn
He is currently involved in international projects on reform of the Russian Civil Code and judicial education in China as Co-Director of the Institute of Comparative Law.
He recently wrote a book entitled Legal Traditions of the World published by Oxford University Press. It was awarded the Grand Prize of the International Academy of Comparative Law.

7. Glenn’s Book: A Response to Globalization
Many states have recently seen considerable change to their legal system, often as a result of imported law. It is not clear how effective these changes will be.
This has sparked a renewed interest in comparative law.
Unlike many writers on comparative law, Glenn purports to do more than just describe black-letter law.
Through an examination of seven major legal traditions, Glenn sets out a broad theory of the relationship of tradition to society.

8. SOME REASONS TO STUDY COMPARATIVE LEGAL TRADITIONS
Professional Purpose – help lawyers to work in a global village
Cultural Purpose – broaden perspectives, give comparative insights into our own legal system
Scientific Purpose – universal legal truths, harmonization of legal rules
Reform Purpose – helps us to make changes to our own legal system

9. Glenn Examines Seven Legal Traditions
Chthonic (indigenous)
Talmudic
Islamic
Hindu
Asian
Civil law
Common law.

10. Glenn Addresses Four Major Issues for Each Tradition
Each section of the book on these seven traditions considers four issues:
1. the nature of each tradition
2. its underlying justification
3. its concept of change
4. its relationship to other traditions.

11. Nature of the Chthonic Tradition
What is the nature of the chthonic tradition?

12. Nature of the Chthonic Tradition
The oldest legal tradition
All humans are descended from chthonic peoples
Orality
Lack of complex legal institutions
Emerged gradually, rather than in response to a particular event – so hard to escape
Diverse chthonic traditions
Chthonic law is interwoven with other chthonic beliefs - not separate from morals or religion, though law had its own place in chthonic tradition
Environmentally friendly because nature is divine

13. Compare the following to the U.S. System
Chthonic Law of Obligations
Chthonic Family Law
Chthonic Law of Property
Chthonic Criminal Law

14. Types of Chthonic Law
Little chthonic law of obligations (contract, tort)
Chthonic family law is largely informal
Chthonic property law is founded on the principle of living in harmony with the land and thus recognized collective ownership more than individual ownership or property; lacked a law of succession. No chthonic concept of human dominium over the natural world.
Criminal law existed but was the responsibility of the community rather than the individual. Criminal sanctions were designed to heal a wound to the community, not punish an individual.

15. Underlying Justification for Chthonic Law
What is the underlying justification for chthonic law?

16. Underlying Justification for Chthonic Law
What is the underlying justification for chthonic law?
Chthonic law is interwoven with other chthonic beliefs
Law is not dominant but has its place
No individual rights – individual is submerged in community
Chthonic law is founded on the concept of respect for, harmony with, and the divinity of the natural world

17. The Concept of Change in a Chthonic Tradition
What is the attitude of chthonic law to change?

18. The Concept of Change in a Chthonic Tradition
What is the attitude of chthonic law to change?
Non-linear concept of time (no past or future)
Inter-generational equity (dead are not gone; yet-to-be born are here)
Result is a conservationist tradition – we must act to protect the natural world for those who will depend on it after we die
Recycling the world
Flexibility with a fundamental core – the sacred character of the world – which cannot change – if it does, the tradition is no longer chthonic

19. Relationship of The Chthonic Tradition to Other Traditions
Describe this

20. Relationship of The Chthonic Tradition to Other Traditions
Chthonic peoples lacked a self-conscious identity
Generally did not resist western expansion(?)
No pure chthonic traditions exist any longer, as a result of increased information due to western and islamic expansion
Chthonic traditions have had some impact on the environmental debate in the west, but the outcome is not clear. Also has influenced some western thinkers on criminal law and sentencing practices.
Current issue: relation of chthonic peoples to states

21. Some Examples of the Chthonic Legal Tradition
See Class Web page