ABout Us

The International Association of Legal Science (IALS) was established in July 1950, with a view to promoting the development of legal science throughout the world, by using in particular the comparative method.

From July 1950 to March 1955, the IALS was known by the name of International Committee of Comparative Law (ICCL). Consequently, the documents published by the IALS or under its auspices prior to March 1955 appeared under that name. Since 1955, the ICCL acts as the Executive Committee of the IALS.

The IALS operates under the auspices of UNESCO. It was a founding member of the International Social Science Council (ISSC). Collaboration continues with the International Science Council (ISC) and the IALS is the only member of that council that represents the scientific field of legal science.

The IALS collaborates with other international organizations in its efforts to develop legal science. Accordingly, the IALS collaborates with the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) and with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). Furthermore, the IALS is an institutional member of the European Law Institute (ELI). Likewise, it gained status of observer with the International Institute for Justice Excellence (IIJE) and with the International Union of Judicial Officers (UIHJ). Other such organisations are also important for the work of the IALS and further collaboration is welcomed.