Autonomy in the Law considers one of the most important benefits of the rule of law. Juxtaposing European and American conceptions of autonomy in the law of families, capital punishment and, criminal trials reveals the common values that justify all legal systems. Law protects the autonomy of individuals and associations by defending the boundaries of their own self-rule. This book illuminates the fundamental purpose of law by examining how European and American lawyers, judges and citizens do and should apply legal autonomy to the practical circumstances of litigation, legislation and the law.

An Introduction to the Value of Autonomy in Law.- Autonomy to Choose What Constitutes Family: Oxymoron or Basic Right?.- Approaches to Autonomy in Capital Punishment and Assisted Suicide.- Courts in Search of Legitimacy: the Case of Wrongful Life.- The Autonomy of Defense and Defense Counsel.- Checks and Balances in the Law of International Organizations.