The Common Law Trust In The Modern World

Rev. versions of papers originally presented at a conference held on Jan. 6-7, 1996 in Cambridge, U.K.

Traces the history of innovation and trust, demonstrating how the Internet offers new ways to rehabilitate and strengthen trust.

New essays by leading figures from the judiciary, practicing lawyers and academics illuminating the worlds of trusts and wealth management.

Private Foundations: Law and Practice is unique; it is the first book to examine and provide guidance on the characteristics of this innovative personal investment vehicle. Superficially, private foundations are sometimes referred to as an incorporated trust or as a company without shareholders. This book will show that these are dangerous approximations. Private foundations, derived from the civil law foundation, a structure of ancient origin, are worthy of a dedicated textbook. Whilst founded on a common basic idea, private foundations show important variations in each jurisdiction in which they have been introduced by legislation. The author has many years experience in designing, applying and regulating structures in international investment and lecturing on the law and practice of trusts, private foundations and related topics, academically and to commercial clients.

Comparative study covering three models of trust : the English, the international and the civilian. More than forty countries are examined and a unified theory of trusts is submitted. The effects of the Hague Convention of 1985 are discussed, as well as its implementation in ratifying civil law countries, where it is now possible to form trusts under a foreign law.