This book first discusses the nature of Comparative Law, its functions, aims, methods and history, then surveys the main features of the major legal families of the world. Extremely well written, this text outlines all the major legal systems of the world and details individual areas of law within these systems. Its prior edition has been highly regarded world-wide since its publication and was translated into many languages including Italian, Japanese and Russian. This third edition has been updated and contains useful new material including a chapter on Japanese Law. It has been skillfully translated from the German by Tony Weir. A key resource, this text provides the framework for a study of comparative law.