Two Schools of Legal Idealism: A Positivist Introduction*

Abstract. The author focuses his attention on two schools of legal idealism: the so‐called Sheffield School and the “discourse ethics” school. In order to emphasize the valuable facets of each school, the author analyzes four different points: (1) the claim to correctness as a necessary feature of law, (2) the connection between correctness and validity, (3) the qualifying or classifying status of this connection, (4) and the desirability of adopting the “Radbruch’s Formula.” Finally, the author analyzes the weaknesses of each theory. **     

What Is It About Politicians?

Why do people dislike politicians and could anything be done about it? Drawing upon survey evidence, it is argued that the twin charge against politicians is that they are engaged in a kind of game and that they are a political class out of touch with real life. These charges are examined and found to have at least some merit. Remedies would involve a change in political behaviour; and measures to widen political recruitment. The consequences of not making such changes will be a further erosion of political trust. Constitutional change is less important in tackling dislike of politicians than alterations in political behaviour.     

E‐Informality in Venezuela: The ‘Other Path’ of Technology

The study explores arguments concerning the concept of the informal economy and makes the case that new media technologies, or more broadly, information and communication technologies (ICTs), as a socio‐economic phenomenon, tend to be exploited in the same way as other economic activities by those actors that operate in the informal economy. Moreover, this exploitation tends to show similar patterns in terms of growth and ownership concentration. In this context, the study analyses the patterns and tendencies that transpire when informal actors exploit ICTs. It aims to question the validity of the neoliberal paradigm that portrays informality and new media technology as a creative process that requires deregulation. The article is based on a field study carried out in Venezuela between 2003 and 2004.     

'FISHING FARMERS' OR 'FARMING FISHERMEN'? THE QUEST FOR HOUSEHOLD INCOME AND NUTRITIONAL SECURITY ON THE KENYAN SHORES OF LAKE VICTORIA

The paper considers the relationships between fishing and farmingin providing household income and nutritional security amongLuo communities on the shores of the Kenyan sector of Lae Victoria.In recent years the resources of Lake Victoria have come undersevere pressure due to a variety of economic and ecologicalfactors associated with over-fishing and a significant declinein fish species. Farming has increased in importance as householdsattempt to meet subsistence needs, but plot fragmentation, droughtand low investment have led to poor crop yields. Future developmentstrategies need to enhance the substainability of the resourcesof both lake and land, and possibly build upon traditional managementmethods and institutions.