In fact, – in addition to the cases from the transition period – the choice of law rules of the Rome I and Rome II-Regulations previously incorporated into the domestic law, remained applicable as so-called retained EU law (REUL) due to their universal character (loi uniforme).[15] However, this approach was not appropriate for legal acts revolving around the principle of reciprocity, particularly in International Civil Procedure.[16] Hence, a legal stocktaking… [read post]

Lois Capps, Santa Barbara Mayor Helene Schneider and other political leaders, the Environmental Defense Center publicly released an amended agreement with the Texas-based Plains Exploration & Development Co. that gives the blessing of local environmental groups to the oil company’s plan to drill new wells into state [read post]

Editor's note: This post was originally published at 7:34 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 As the gavel comes down on the 113th Congress (which spanned January 2013 to December 2014), and the new 114th Congress begins its work today, it’s a good time to take stock of what was achieved and what lies ahead for animals in the New Year. [read post]