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In:Legal Pragmatics
Edited by Dennis Kurzon and Barbara Kryk-Kastovsky
[Pragmatics & Beyond New Series 288] 2018
► pp. 231–256

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Chapter 11
On the balance between invariance and context-dependence

Legal concepts and their environments

 | University of Turku
Published online: 26 April 2018
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/pbns.288.11sal
Abstract
The central question asked in this chapter is how to reconcile the well-known conundrum of legal language being at the same time decontextualized yet influenced by context. This paradox is addressed here by reviewing the meaning of currently topical legal notions in environments where there are two or more valid jurisdictions – the national and the supranational or transnational – simultaneously present. Textualism and contextualism need not be conflicting paradigms in finding a solution between competing meanings. Rather, a balance could be struck through linguistic explanation. The paradox of competing interpretations is discussed here from the point of view of both law-givers and law-takers.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Legal pragmatics and legal pragmatism
  • 3. Context
  • 4. Invariance
  • 5. Disconcerting notions
    • 5.1Multilingual context I – supranational v national
      • 5.1.1Case 1 – catch as catch can
      • 5.1.2Case 2 – Family is best but what is a family?
    • 5.2Multilingual context II – Transnational
  • 6.Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
  • List of official documents
  • List of cases
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