Faculty of Law
The Faculty of Law at Maastricht University is a top-quality provider of challenging and rewarding Dutch and European legal education at bachelor’s, master’s and PhD-level. A true pioneer in small-scale teaching and teaching of skills aimed at a broad range of future legal professionals.
The clear focus in research on European and international aspects of the law, Law and tech, and the empirical setting in which the law operates, provides an exceptionally stimulating environment for both students and staff. The Faculty greatly values its open, diverse and inclusive community that makes it a pleasant and rewarding place to work and study.
The UM Faculty of Law offers a wide range of bachelor's and master's programmes. Would you like to know more about our programmes? Download the brochure for more information on the courses, career perspectives and admission requirements of our programmes.
News
NWO grant for research into effective participation in online criminal proceedings
Courts use digital tools more and more often in criminal proceedings. Defendants ‘attend’ their trial online via a video connection. This sparked Christina Peristeridou’s curiosity: how can effective participation be achieved in a virtual setting?
Francesco Mauri wins Maastricht Consulates Prize 2024
On 10 December, Francesco Mauri was awarded the Maastricht Consulates Prize on EU Law 2024 for the best master’s thesis on EU law at the Maastricht University Faculty of Law. This prestigious prize, valued at €1,000, recognises academic excellence and innovation in EU law.
Inaugural lecture by prof.dr. Maja Brkan
On 29 November 2024, MCEL member Maja Brkan, Judge at the General Court of the European Union, gave her inaugural lecture on 'Digitalisation and EU fundamental rights: the good, the bad and the opaque'.
From Having a Seat to Having a Say: European Organisations of Persons With Disabilities in the International Monitoring of the Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities
PhD thesis written by Hanxu Liu
This research aims to answer the main research question: whether and if so, how have European OPDs effectively participated in the UN human rights mechanisms, with a view to monitoring the national implementation of human rights in alignment with the CRPD?
The Values of the European Union as Legal Rules: Lessons from the Union’s Reaction to Constitutional Backsliding
PhD thesis written by Martina Coli
This thesis investigated the paths for transforming the founding values of the European Union enshrined in Article 2 TEU into legal obligations binding on the Member States.
Faculty in Focus
A lot can happen in a year. Our Faculty in Focus series highlights some of the most surprising, inspiring and important activities in the field of education, research and events at our faculty from 2023.
The Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition team shares their story about winning this prestigious event, and why mooting competitions are so valuable for future lawyers. Next, we sat down with Andrea Parziale, whose research project aimed to make damages in Europe more equal. Also, a familiar face at our faculty, Fons Coomans, returned to his former workplace to talk about the importance of human rights for future generations.
Dive into the fascinating world of our faculty's research, education, and events!
Education
We aim at educating excellent jurists who are well prepared to take up the various roles they will fulfil in their future professional career. Maastricht is a special place to study law. The international classroom, focus on small-scale teaching, staff-student contact and skills are widely praised.
Research
Our research profile specialises in the role of law in a Europeanising and globalising society. It is implemented in one common faculty research programme and offers space for talented researchers. There is always a close link between teaching and research.
About Law
The faculty is based in a remarkable building in the centre of Maastricht. It has 3,500 students and 360 staff members.
Take the inside tour
Agenda / events
Blogs
Academic Curiosity in the Realm of the Law
Legal science evolves in many ways. Academic curiosity is an important drive in that evolution, opening paths of exploration and igniting awareness on the needs of society. Curiosity–in all its forms–deals with exploring, discovering, and learning towards acquiring new knowledge. Its etymology...
Better No Treaty Than a Weak One – A Summary of INC-5
In March 2022, as part of efforts to address the triple planetary crisis, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) unanimously adopted a resolution calling for the negotiation of an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution – the Plastics Treaty. Negotiations began...
Mediating the Kendrick Lamar and Drake Beef
The rap feud between Aubrey Drake Graham (aka Drake) and Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (aka Kendrick Lamar), has not only produced batches of blazing diss tracks, but now, a potential legal battle. Drake recently initiated two legal proceedings in New York and Texas, not against Kendrick Lamar, but...
A Great Divide in Legal History
Kaleidoscopic approaches to legal history can only be beneficial, serving as means to enhance collaboration and further disciplinary development. Advocates for a blended approach to legal history leave behind strict disciplinary boundaries and call for interdisciplinary efforts. They seek to find a...
Two Weeks, Countless Voices: Explaining the ICJ’s Unprecedented Hearings on Climate Obligations
This explainer provides essential context on the ICJ’s advisory opinion request on states’ climate obligations. The hearings, scheduled from 2 to 13 December 2024, will be live-streamed at the Law Café of the Faculty of Law, Maastricht University.
Interactive Campus Tour
Watch the interactive video and take a tour of our faculty. Our student Niklas will tell you all about the faculty's facilities, study areas, historical buildings and teaching spaces and more. Choose your own path and find out whether studying at Maastricht University is right for you.