Cette thèse traite des modes alternatifs de contentieux administratifs entre l'État et les particuliers. Il s’agit d’une étude comparée entre le système français et le système brésilien. Au Brésil, les procédures alternatives ne sont guère utilisées et les juridictions se voient submergées par des recours de plus en plus nombreux. En France, le manque d’efficience des modes déjà implantés fait que la justice administrative se retrouve également encombrée. Notre proposition est d'analyser les diverses formes alternatives de solution des litiges : conciliation, médiation et arbitrage au Brésil et en France. L'importance de cette recherche se situe essentiellement au niveau de la contribution sociale qu'elle pourra apporter à la société brésilienne et à la société française. Cette thèse se propose de présenter une nouvelle option au contentieux traditionnel : des mécanismes en dehors du juge capables de garantir une communication entre l'administration publique et les particuliers. / This thesis deals with alternative ways to administrative litigations between the State and private individuals. This is a comparative study between the French and the Brazilian system.In Brazil, alternative procedures are rarely used and therefore, courts of law are inundated with more and more appeals. In France, the lack of efficiency of already existing ways makes the administrative justice as inundated. We suggest analyzing the various alternative ways to litigations: conciliation, mediation and arbitration in Brazil and in France. The importance of this research mainly lies in the social contribution it will bring on to the Brazilian and the French society. This thesis will offer a new option to traditional litigations: mechanisms which do not require a judge and which are able to guarantee a real communication between the public Service and private individuals.

This thesis deals with the duties of the parties to a litigation (contentious civil procedure). There are two such duties in a litigation: the duty to prove and the duty to assert. The aim of the thesis is to analyze these procedural institutes, to explain both their historical context and their relation to other related institutes such as the burden of proof or the burden of proof assertion. Concurrently, duties of the court itself regarding this matter are dealt with as well as imperfections of current legislation. In the last chapter, proposals de lege ferenda are made. This thesis is divided into six basic sections. The first one focuses on the historical perspectives, the second one deals with theoretical fundamentals and basic concepts, the third one addresses the duties of the court itself related to this subject matter, the fourth one focuses on the judicature of both the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court of the Czech republic, the fifth one describes and compares related current legislation of Slovakia and, as mentioned, the last chapter contains several proposals de lege ferenda.

In this dissertation, I investigate how different aspects of the procurement process and evaluation affect bidding behavior. In essay 1, we attempt to map public procurements in Sweden by gathering a representative sample of procurements. We find that framework agreements and multiple-contract procurements represent a very large share of total government spending. The total value procured by government authorities, municipalities and counties accounts to 215 BSEK yearly, which we believe is an underestimate due to data issues. Essay 2 suggests a simple method for of estimating bidding costs in public procurement, and are empirically estimated to be approximately 2 percent of the procurement value using a comprehensive dataset and approximately 0.5 percent for a more homogeneous road re-pavement dataset. Our method provides reasonable estimates with, compared to other methods, relatively low data requirements. Essay 3 investigates the effect of quality evaluation on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Contrary to common belief, SMEs’ participation does not increase when evaluating quality, and their probability to win procurements decreases compared with that of large firms. In essay 4, the bidders’ decision to apply for a procurement review “appeal” is investigated. Contrary to procurers’ beliefs, evaluating quality is found not to have any statistically significant effect on the probability of appeals. Instead, I empirically confirm theoretical prediction of the 1st runner-up’s decision to claim the evaluation to be redone, as well as free-riding in appealing. In essay 5, we test whether spatial econometrics can be used to test for collusion in procurement data. We apply this method on a known cartel and test during and after the period the cartel was active. Our estimates support the proposition that spatial econometrics can be used to test for collusive behavior.

Magister Legum - LLM / This research examines the effectiveness of these dispute resolution mechanisms in environmental disputes and what improvements should be made in order to make those mechanisms suitable for these types of disputes. / South Africa

Doctor Legum - LLD / The thesis considers the approaches followed by the European Union with the Brussels Regime, the federal system of the United States of America under the ‘full faith and credit clause’; the inter-state recognition scheme under the Australia and New Zealand Trans- Tasman judicial system; as well as the convention-approach of the Latin American States. It finds that the most suitable approach for the SACU is the negotiation and adoption by all SACU Member States of a multilateral convention on the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, comparable to the 1971 Convention of the Hague Conference on Private International Law; the EU Brussels I Regulation and the Latin-American Montevideo Convention, as complemented by the La Paz Convention. It is imperative that a proposed convention should not merely duplicate previous efforts, but should be drafted in the light of the legal, political and socio-economic characteristics of the SACU Member States. The current legislative provisions in force in SACU Member States are compared and analysed, and the comparison and analysis form the basis of a proposal for a future instrument on recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments for the region. A recommended draft text for a proposed Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments for the SACU is included. This draft text could form the basis for future negotiations by SACU Member States.

Les particularités supposées des instruments juridiques de la régulation économique pourraient induire la spécificité de son contentieux. Cependant, il n’en est rien : le juge de la régulation recourt aux règles et méthodes classiques du contentieux. Pour autant, les singularités du contentieux de la régulation, en particulier dans sa propension à susciter l’évolution progressive des méthodes juridictionnelles, apparaissent au sein de ce classicisme. Ce contentieux se caractérise en premier lieu par la perturbation qui résulte de la confrontation de la régulation économique et de son contentieux. Dans un premier temps, les particularités notables de certaines autorités de régulation ou de leurs actes révèlent l’inadaptation des classifications contentieuses classiques. Ce n’est que dans un second temps, une fois intégrées à un cadre contentieux classique - ou devenu tel - que les particularités de cette matière autorisent l’adaptation du contrôle juridictionnel aux exigences de la régulation économique. La singularité de ce contentieux apparaît ensuite au regard sa fonction, tant à l’égard de la régulation économique que du contentieux général. Davantage que juger la régulation, le juge y participe pleinement comme partie prenante des processus de régulation économique. Le contentieux de la régulation économique apparaît enfin comme un laboratoire des évolutions du contentieux général. Sans être en lui-même innovant, le contentieux de la régulation économique participe à la rénovation du contentieux général. De surcroît, son caractère transversal offre certaines perspectives quant à la mise en cohérence de contentieux issus d’ordres juridictionnels distincts qui ne peuvent se satisfaire du simple dialogue des juges et entre juges. / Assumed particularities of the economic regulation may involve a special feature of its litigiation. But, it is far from that, insofar as the regulation’s judge use classical rules and methods of the general litigation. However, the economic regulation litigiation’s singularities, leading to a gradual evolution of litigation methods, appear whithin the frame of this classicism. The first singularity is characterized by the disturbance arising from the confrontation between economic régulation and its litigation. Initialy, particularities of régulatory authorities and acts of régulation reveal classicle litigiation categories’ inappropriateness. Then, once integrated into classicle judicial framework, the particulaties enable jurisdictional control adjustement to economic régulation requirements. Furthermore, the economic regulation litigiation’s singularity appear in view of its fonction. More than ruling economic regulation disputes, the judge fully participate in economic regulation processes. Finally, the economic regulation litigiation appears to be a laboratoy of general litigation’s progress. Without groudbreaking, economic regulation litigiation is involve in general litigiation renewal. In addition, the transversal nature of this litigation allows the consistency of the litigation ruled by distinct jurisdictional orders witch cannot be satisfied with the "judges' dialogue".

This thesis assesses the promise and potential failures of five tort cases filed in California city and county governments in 2017. The plaintiffs in these cases are suing the fossil fuel industry, claiming that the actions of the industry contributed substantially to global climate change, which is now causing sea level rise in their coastal communities. If these cases are successful, the budget-constrained city and county governments will be provided with funds necessary for climate change adaptation and mitigation measures that will allow residents to continue living in a hotter climate, with higher sea levels. As the effects of global climate change materialize, it is essential that local governments find ways to adapt.

La réflexion sur le tiers dans le contentieux international a pour origine le constat d’une présence accrue des tiers dans le cadre du règlement juridictionnel des différends internationaux, questionnant la vision traditionnelle du procès international comme étant « la chose des parties ». Le tiers est défini négativement, comme toute entité qui n’est ni l’organe juridictionnel, ni les parties à l’instance. Tout au long de l’étude, il est procédé à une identification plus précise de cette notion à géométrie variable : selon la juridiction considérée et le type de procédure examiné, le tiers est un Etat, une organisation internationale, une personne privée physique ou morale. Dans le cadre d’un corpus de juridictions varié, la place du tiers dans le contentieux international est étudiée, en examinant successivement les aspects relevant de sa protection et de sa participation dans le contentieux international. En filigrane, l’étude appréhende la contribution des tiers au maintien de la paix, dans le cadre du règlement pacifique juridictionnel des différends internationaux. / The reflection on third entities in international litigation comes from the finding of an increased presence of “thirds” in the jurisdictional settlement of international disputes, thus questioning the traditional vision of the international trial as being “the thing of the parties”. The “third” is defined negatively, as any entity that is neither the jurisdiction nor the parties to the proceedings. Throughout the study, a more precise identification of this notion is developed : depending on the jurisdiction in question and the type of procedure examined, third entities are either States, international organizations, private (physical or moral) persons. Within the framework of diverse jurisdictions, the study apprehends the place given to third entities in international litigation, examining successively their protection and their participation. In the background, the study looks at the contribution of third entities to peacekeeping, as part of the peaceful settlement of disputes.

<div>This dissertation studies how patents are monetized via legal actions without practicing the technology and the implications to firms. In recent years, scholars in other fields have extensively studied patent monetization and litigation regime, given the importance of technological innovation and commercialization to the strategy field, strategy scholars have been underrepresented on the topic of patent litigation and monetization. In this dissertation, I develop a theory on how heterogeneity in firms' business models monetizing resources determine firms' heterogeneity in valuation and acquisition of resources. Using a context of patents, we study two primary business models monetizing patents, namely, the practicing monetization and litigating monetization, which differ fundamentally in their value appropriation mechanisms. On the one hand, the value appropriation mechanism for practicing monetization relies on the value created by the firm's deployment of the patented technology in the product market, and from the restraint of rivalry via excluding competitors from accessing the patented technology. On the other hand, litigating monetization depends on the strength of legal actions and the ability to collect payments from target firms to the patent-owning firm, in forms such as settlement fees and damages awarded by the court. The theorization reclarifies the two types of patent heterogeneity: innovativeness and exclusivity, and theorize that differences in patents' innovativeness and exclusivity lead to differences in the expected profit from practicing and litigating monetization, thus leading to a difference in optimal monetization strategy and firms' different preferences for resource acquisition.</div><div><br></div><div>In Essay 1, we develop the aforementioned theory of patent monetization using formal models to understand the relationships among firms' business models, patent characteristics, and the optimal monetization strategy. We show the situations where litigating monetization can prevail and be the method that maximizes patents' value. We further predict that compared to patents that are practiced to produce products or services, patents monetized in a litigating manner are ones that are relatively less technologically innovative. Then, in Essay 2, I use the patent monetization context to investigate how firms' business models affect their resource acquisition behavior in the factor market, i.e., the market of patents. Exploiting recent institutional changes such as the enactment of the American Invents Act (AIA) that asymmetrically influenced different business models, I show that firms specialize in litigating monetization disproportionately acquire highly cited but old patents and patents that were litigated before. Then Essay 3, rooted in the literature that patents are essential signals from entrepreneurial firms to investors, I examine how disputes in patents in the form of litigations affect entrepreneurial firms' obtaining of external financing. </div><div><br></div>

In this study I investigate how and to what extent socio-economic rights litigation can be used as a pragmatic strategy in the struggle for social justice in South Africa. In response to arguments that litigation lacks potential to change the socio-economic conditions that poor people often contest, I examine its potential to create social transformation. My analysis is premised on the fact that the constitutional project promises to construct South African society among others on the pillar of social justice, where the potential of every individual to enjoy improved quality of life is guaranteed. However, I illustrate how apartheid legacy and the neo-liberal politics of the post-apartheid government have conspired to keep the poor in perpetual deprivation. While much has been achieved in terms of the provision of basic services, millions of South Africans continue to battle with escalating poverty, deprivation and inequalities in resource redistribution. Consequently, a number of academic commentaries on the post-apartheid experience have expressed uncertainty that the constitutional experiment will result in improve livelihood. In interrogating this claim I construct a theoretical analysis, from a socio-legal point of view, in which I explain the concept of socio-economic rights litigation. I examine the instrumental role of civil society, including the activism of social movements in converting political demands into legal claims framed in the language of socio-economic rights. I explain how recourse is had to the courts to challenge political conduct, to contest the unconstitutionality of state policies and to demand the fulfillment of political promises with the aim to achieve redistributive justice. In examining the context within which socio-economic rights litigation applies I identify three phases in its trajectory, which include a period of contestation, a first decade and a second decade of litigation. These phases illustrate significant trends that have developed in socio-economic rights litigation over the years. Thus I argue that socio-economic rights litigation has potential to engineer social transformation but that potential has not adequately been explored. Given the magnitude of socio-economic challenges that need to be redressed, I further argue that socio-economic rights litigation needs to be developed as a pragmatic strategy in the struggle to achieve social justice. To substantiate this argument I analyse the decisions of the Constitutional Court in Mazibuko, Modderklip, Abahlali baseMjondolo and Schubart Park to illustrate the practical dimensions how and to what extent litigating socio-economic rights has contributed to social transformation. Based on the analysis of the judgments, I identify certain determining and necessitating factors that either cause litigation to happen or facilitate the process. I then further examine some challenges and constraints that inhibit the potential of litigation with the aim to point out flaws that need to be overcome when planning future socio-economic rights litigation. I conclude by looking at prospects for the future of socio-economic rights litigation in driving not only social transformation but also in creating possibilities for the advancement of the law, the further development of jurisprudence on socio-economic rights as a pragmatic strategy in the broader commitment to achieve social justice. I argue that to develop the potential of litigation for social change entails developing a balanced jurisprudence that provides a forum for the prevalence of social justice to ensure that benefits accrue equitably to the poor. / Dissertation (LLM)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Public Law / unrestricted