The Conceptual Change of Conscience

Franz Wieacker and German Legal Historiography 1933-1968

by Ville Erkkila

Book cover: The Conceptual Change of Conscience

Extent: 314 pages

Publisher: Mohr Siebeck

Subjects: German Studies, Law

Series: Beiträge zur Rechtsgeschichte des 20. Jahrhunderts

Series volume number: 106

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(February 2019)

ISBN: 9783161566912

6.06 x 9.06 inches

Price: $99.00

In stock

~ENG~How did the drastic experiences of the turbulent twentieth century affect the ideas of justice and rule of law? From a biographical angle on the prestigious legal historian Franz Wieacker, Ville Erkkila draws a vivid picture of the development of German legal history from 1933 to 1968.


How did the drastic experiences of the turbulent twentieth century affect the works of a legal historian? What kind of an impact did they have on the ideas of justice and rule of law prominent in legal historiography? Ville Erkkila analyses the way in which the concepts of ‘Rechtsgewissen’ and ‘Rechtsbewusstsein’ evolved over time in the works of the prestigious legal historian Franz Wieacker. With the help of previously unavailable sources such as private correspondence, the author reveals how Franz Wieacker’s personal experiences intertwined in his legal historiography with the tradition of legal science as well as the social and political destinies of twentieth century Germany.

  • By (author) Ville Erkkila