Rule of Law Commons^™

International Transactions In A Cold Climate; Or Whatever Became Of The Law Merchant?, Henry Harfield

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

International trade can be conducted only under the rule of law. There is no rule of law that governs international trade. These statements form a paradox, and the beginning of two possible syllogisms. One construction is that since there is no rule of law governing international trade, and international trade is dependent upon the rule of law, international trade must perish. The other and more hopeful construction is that international trade does exist, it must exist, and because it is dependent upon the rule of law, a rule of law must be devised.

I believe in the latter formulation, but …