This work deals with the development, objectives and methods of comparative criminal law. The wide-reaching study explores questions of positioning and of methodology. It also asks what the objectives and functions of comparative criminal law should be: whether they be theoretical, judicial, or legislative. Finally it assesses the future outlook for the discipline.

Albin Eser is Professor of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure Law and Comparative Criminal Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Freiburg.