This book is the extended version of the inaugural lecture given by Professor Jasper Krommendijk on 19 June 2024 at Radboud University. Professor Krommendijk delves into the current state and effectiveness of human rights laws. Amid growing skepticism and critical debate, human rights norms are often perceived as under threat—questioned by politicians, academics, and the public alike. This lecture dissects the intricate layers of legal doctrines and empirical evidence, pushing forward the u...

Procedural agreements hold the potential to effectively customise and expedite civil proceedings. However, their impact on access to justice, particularly for weaker litigants, and the potential erosion of the court’s role raise significant concerns. Despite the growing acceptance of procedural contracts, it is still unclear how courts should interpret and when they should enforce these agreements. This book delves into the critical examination of choice-of-court, evidentiary, costs, appeal...