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The Institution of Law
To mark Neil MacCormick's retirement, the Law School presented to Neil a 'chain article'. This refers to the famous metaphor of Ronald Dworkin where he claims that the judge when giving a judgement is acting like the author in a chain novel. Several authors write different chapters of a novel. To get a coherent novel, each is constrained by, and has to fit into, the previous author’s chapters.
Our chain article was constructed by asking colleagues to follow that discipline, with each author being allotted a maximum of 200 words and one footnote to write what the study of law means to them. Appropriately the idea for the chain article was formed at a convivial Christmas party hosted by Neil and Flora.
Below is the dedication on the frontispiece:
Neil!
You write on the Institutions of Law and for 36 years you have graced this particular Institution of the Law and have contributed immeasurably to it. Your generosity and distinction in the cause of the Law School has touched and moulded us all. It has given us the model of the academic life.
But how can we mark your leaving? We have decided to compose (in the style of the 'chain novel') a chain article to show how this Institution thinks of the Institution of Law. You will see in it 'unity in diversity', diverse strands intertwining and doubling back on themselves to make a whole that is much greater than the parts. Your work too has always held together many diverse strands, a counterpoint that concludes in a brilliant symphony. The Law School’s symphony is not concluded and our task not yet finished. In your retirement we count on your help.
With this collective gift the Law School salutes you.
We present it to you with great love and affection.
Edinburgh, May 2008
Download the article here 
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