About the Edinburgh Centre for Private Law

Private law has been taught and researched at the University of Edinburgh since 1722. Among the many distinguished scholars who have worked at Edinburgh are John Erskine of Carnock (1737-65), David Hume (1786-1822), George Joseph Bell (1822-43), Sir John Rankine (1888-1922), Sir Thomas B Smith (1958-72), and WA Wilson (1960-94).

The Edinburgh Centre for Private Law (ECPL), founded in 2009, exists to foster and develop this long tradition of private law scholarship. Building on Edinburgh’s position as a major university within Europe’s main mixed jurisdiction, much of the research carried out by its members examines Scots law in a European context or fosters a dialogue between the civilian tradition and the common law.

Mailing list

Keep up to date on the latest news, research, opportunities and events at the ECPL.

Sign-up to the ECPL mailing list