European Legal Studies

1. You buy a product online from a shop in another member state and it arrives broken. What do you do?

I find out which cross-border consumer rights apply and how to enforce them. I complain once and accept whatever happens. I just give up – it’s too much hassle.

2. How do you feel about reading a long legal text carefully, word by word?

I enjoy it – a single word can change the meaning of a rule. I can do it, but it tires me quickly. I find it unbearable.

3. How interested are you in how the European Commission, Parliament and Council make laws together?

Very – I want to understand who proposes, amends and adopts legislation and why. A little, from what I’ve heard in the news. Not at all.

4. You’re invited to argue a case in front of judges in a moot court. How do you react?

I’m in – I like preparing arguments and defending them under pressure. I’d help prepare, but not speak. I’d decline.

5. A nurse wants to work in another member state, but her qualifications aren’t recognised there. What would you do?

I’d research the rules on free movement and recognition of qualifications and work out her options. I’d suggest she ask an official. It’s her problem.

6. Lectures and moot court sessions are in English, and your classmates come from many countries with different legal systems. How do you see that?

As a big advantage – I can discuss legal problems in English and learn how other systems work. As a challenge – I understand English well, but arguing in it is harder. I’d rather study in my own language, with people from my own country.

7. How do you feel about comparing how different legal systems solve the same problem?

It fascinates me – seeing alternative solutions helps me understand the law better. It’s interesting now and then. I’d rather learn one system and stop there.

8. A debate starts about privacy versus security online. What’s your approach?

I weigh fundamental rights against public interests and look at how courts have balanced them. I have an opinion, but I can’t really back it up. I stay out of such debates.

9. Which future role sounds most like you?

A lawyer specialising in European law, an official in an EU institution, or a legal adviser in an international company or organisation. Something in law, I’m not sure what. Something unrelated to law.

10. What motivates you most to study European Legal Studies?

Understanding how law works across borders and being able to use it in an international career. Getting a degree that sounds prestigious. I’m not sure it’s for me