Dante and the Methods of Comparative Law

Abstract

The origin of comparative law as a science is generally attributed to 1900, when Lambert and Saleilles organized the first International Conference of Comparative Law during the Paris World Expo. However, it is interesting to note that Dante, within his works, appears as a comparatist, albeit ante litteram. This emerges, in particular, in light of the use of comparative methods and techniques, with a particular reference to the text and the framework of the Divine Comedy, as well as the way he navigates his journey. In doing so, Dante highlights some key pillars of comparative law and its most topical issues, such as legal translation, the methods and purposes of comparative law, the relevance of law, and its applications of the conscious and/or unconscious influences of different cultural factors.