Home

Bynkershoek Institute

The Hague Institute for Law & Practice Cornelius Bynkershoek (the Bynkershoek Institute), was founded in 2006 with the purpose of fostering the practice and research of law. The institute contributes to the reputation of The Hague as the international City of Peace and Justice (“Legal Capital of the World”). Dutchman Cornelius Bynkershoek (Cornelis van Bijnkershoek) (1673-1743) was a The Hague based attorney-at-law, president of the High Court and author of various textbooks, which influenced the world-wide study and understanding of law and justice.

The Bynkershoek Institute’s objectives are realized by enabling the exchange of legal knowledge and by generating legal education and research.  The Institute works in cooperation with various institutions of legal education, legal research and organizations such as law firms, corporate legal departments, and public bodies. The Bynkershoek Institute is a platform where lecturers, researchers and practicing jurists can meet, develop legal material, publish research and train and recruit young talent.

Short History

Founded in 2006, the Bynkershoek Institute first devoted time and energy to the Dutch chapter of its activities. It contributed to the development of the Dutch law program of The Hague University of Applied Sciences. In its book series, the Institute published a volume on alternative dispute settlement. The Institute’s Research Centre on Regulatory Markets & Compliance held a conference in 2007, gathering speakers and specialists in the fields of regulation of, and compliance with, environmental issues, financial markets and education.

In 2007, the Bynkershoek Institute, through its Research Centre on Legal Education, was instrumental in designing the concept and curriculum of the International Bachelor of Law Program of The Hague University of Applied Sciences. As nested foundation in this university it provided assistance in translating this design and curriculum into a smooth realization of the ambition to educate a new generation of jurists.

In the years 2008 to 2015, the Bynkershoek Institute assisted in developing educational materials in Dutch, European, and global International Law, including collections of sources of law (Bynkershoek Law Collections) and collections of explanatory texts (Bynkershoek Texts & Materials). It also broadened its scope by inviting the lecturers of the International Bachelor of Law Program and others to become Bynkershoek Fellows. Both developments have led to the launch of Bynkershoek Publishing, Research Centers, Bynkershoek Lectures and the Bynkershoek Evening Symposium Series.

Organization
The Bynkershoek Institute is a not-for-profit legal entity administered by a small board. The Bynkershoek Institute is funded by individual and corporate donations.