New researches in Islamic humanities studies

New researches in Islamic humanities studies

A comparative comparison of fault in English and French law

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Khatereh Abadi 1
Hadi Naeimi 2
shahriyar Bagheri 2
1 PhD student, private law, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran
10.22034/api.2025.2072678.1489
Abstract
Objective: This study seeks to analyze the concept and degrees of fault within the legal systems of England and France. The primary aim is to conduct a comparative examination of the foundations, scope, and classifications of fault in both jurisdictions in order to clarify their convergences and divergences.
Method: The research adopts a library-based, analytical, and comparative methodology. It relies on authoritative legal sources, statutory provisions, judicial decisions, and scholarly commentary in both French and English law to explore and contrast the doctrinal and practical dimensions of fault.
Results: The findings reveal that the categorization of fault into different degrees originates from Roman law, which has been transmitted and adapted in both French law and common law systems such as that of England. Fault is generally classified into intentional and unintentional categories, with unintentional fault further subdivided into gross, slight, and very slight fault. In French law, the notion of fault is interpreted in a broad sense, encompassing both intentional and unintentional conduct. Conversely, English law places greater emphasis on the gradation of fault in relation to specific contexts of civil liability rather than as a general principle.
Conclusions: The study concludes that, although the classification of fault stems from a shared Roman law heritage, its interpretation and application have diverged significantly in French and English law. French law adopts a more comprehensive approach, treating fault as the general basis of civil liability, whereas English law applies the severity of fault selectively, depending on the particular type and scope of liability. This divergence illustrates how two legal systems, despite their common historical roots, have developed into distinct and independent approaches over time.

Graphical Abstract

A comparative comparison of fault in English and French law
Keywords
English law
French law
fault
degrees of fault
Rights
Subjects
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New researches in Islamic humanities studies
Volume 4, Issue 7
April 2025
Pages 1-17