T4EU Comparative Case Studies in Law

Legal Exchange Program in Katowice from 10–13 May 2026

A group of students from Saarland University and the University of Silesia in Katowice had the opportunity to explore international perspectives in law as part of a three-day exchange project entitled "T4EU Comparative Case Studies in Law." From May 10 to 13, 13 second-year law students from Saarland University travelled to Katowice within the framework of Transform4Europe to work alongside eight advanced Polish law students from the University of Silesia on comparative case studies in criminal law, civil law, and public law. The participation of CJFA students meant that three legal systems were represented – German, Polish, and French. The group was accompanied by Professor Brodowski; on the Polish side, Professor Jagielska and Professor Pietrzykowski provided support.

Following an introduction to comparative law, the focus was above all on exchange: the goal was not to find the perfect solution, but to have the confidence to discuss complex legal questions in a foreign language. Working in mixed small groups, students tackled cases and explored the similarities and differences between the respective legal systems.

Substantive insights ranged from varying rules on murder, manslaughter, and the age of criminal responsibility, to the German principles of separation and abstraction, to the specificities of fundamental rights in public law. One key takeaway was that while law everywhere seeks to balance similar interests, the solutions can differ considerably depending on the legal system.

Alongside the intensive academic programme, shared dinners and leisure activities provided opportunities for personal exchange and the formation of new friendships. 

The first Transform4Europe programme of its kind – described by the professors themselves as an "experiment" – proved to be a resounding success. A second chapter is already in the making.