They paved the way

At the Faculty of Law, research on various legal topics is conducted on a daily basis. Below is an overview showing some recent research projects at our Faculty, all carried out on commission by a government agency.

A dignified existence in social security: toward strengthening the role of fundamental social rights

Commissioned by: Gak Institute (Instituut Gak)         
Researcher: Prof. Dr G.J. (Gijsbert) Vonk

Research focus
How can the functioning of fundamental social rights in the Netherlands be strengthened in order to better protect individual citizens? That is the core question of this study, which focuses primarily on the fundamental right of social security and ties in with the search for the human dimension in social security. It concerns a scientific legal research that also wants to contribute to the social dialogue on the functioning of the fundamental right of social security.

The Fight against Mafia Crime in Italy

Commissioned by: Research and Data Centre (WODC) 
Researcher: Dr L.J.J. (Laura) Peters

Research focus
In recent years, important steps have been taken in the drafting of legislation and policies to reduce organized crime, and crime that undermines society. This development calls for looking beyond national borders and learning from experiences already gained abroad in fighting this type of crime. In doing so, the coalition agreement points to Italy as a country that has similar experiences with this type of crime —including its excesses— for good reason. The Italian experience with substantive and procedural criminal and criminal procedure rules and regulations specific to the fight against the mafia is the subject of this study.

Download the research report 

Fair, simple and future-proof: three pleas for universalism in social security. 

Commissioned by: Gak Institute (Instituut Gak)                                          
Researchers mr. M. (Maarten) Bouwmeester, Dr B. (Barbara) Brink, Prof. G.J. (Gijsbert) Vonk

Research focus
This contribution has been structured into three pleas: universal schemes in social security are a) fair, b) simple and c) future-proof. Each of these pleas has attempted to develop a singular thesis on the merits of a universalist approach. The first plea (fair) centers on the social justice debate; the second one (simple) focuses on policy and implementation. The third (future-proof) is related to how the system can respond to new trends and challenges. Of course, this format is not to imply that there are no drawbacks, but by choosing this form we are fulfilling the promise of the project’s ambition, which is to put universalism in the spotlight.

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Conflicts in the social domain, preventable or inevitable?

Commissioned by: The Council for the Judiciary                                            
Researchers: Prof. A.T. (Bert) Marseille, Prof. H.B. (Heinrich) Winter, Dr P. (Paulien) de Winter, Dr M. (Marc) Wever, Dr A.G. (Arnt) Mein, F. (Fatima) Aslimani

Research focus
The focus of the study is how to prevent conflicts in the social domain. This involved studying both the implementation of the Participation Act and social support under the Wmo.

In an interim report of the first part of the study, the researchers conclude, after more than 120 interviews at 16 municipalities, that the government should take its duty of care towards citizens seriously. Many municipalities are not doing this sufficiently, causing unnecessary problems for their own citizens. The second part of the study, in which the researchers are conducting pilots at six municipalities, is currently in progress. In these pilots, different practices aimed at preventing conflicts are being put to the test.

Download the research report 

Acceptance of spousal maintenance by parties, the extent to which it meets the demands of today’s society

Commissioned by: Research and Data Centre (WODC)                                   
Researchers: Prof. W.D. Kolkman, Prof. L.J.A. Verstappen, Dr I. Visser 

Research focus
Is existing maintenance law still up to date? The study looked at citizens’ acceptance of spousal maintenance, its alignment with society and possible adjustments to legislation and regulations, partly with a view to preventing legal proceedings. The researchers suggest some improvements, including to the maintenance basis, to the Maintenance Standards and to the position of unmarried cohabitants.