The Routledge Handbook of Heritage and the Law

The Routledge Handbook of Heritage and the Law explores the complex relationship between heritage and the law, shedding light on how the law shapes heritage and heritage practice in both expected and unexpected ways. Contributions from 41 authors across various jurisdictions offer insights into the transnational nature of the law and its impact on our understanding of heritage. The Handbook demonstrates that the law is a powerful tool that can be used to promote or restrict heritage, and it highlights the importance of engaging with the law to ensure that heritage is protected and valued.

Format: Hardback
Length: 522 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Routledge Handbook of Heritage and the Law delves into the intricate relationship between heritage and the law, shedding light on the multifaceted ways in which the law shapes and influences heritage practices. This comprehensive volume, comprising contributions from 41 esteemed authors hailing from diverse legal jurisdictions, employs international and comparative legal methodologies to unravel the complex dynamics at play. By examining the law as a transnational phenomenon, the Handbook explores its far-reaching implications and offers valuable insights for broad application. It demonstrates that the law is not merely a static framework but a dynamic language of power and contestation, shaping our perceptions of heritage and influencing the ways in which it is valued, protected, and managed.

To fully comprehend the impact of the law on key aspects of heritage practice, it is essential to recognize the potential of heritage as a convergence point for identity, resource struggles, and power distribution. The Handbook frames heritage as a catalyst for legal engagement rather than a passive regulatory object, emphasizing the need to explore the legal fields and mechanisms that can shape heritage-related actions. It then questions how these legal frameworks enable authority and empower those who seek to seize and control heritage resources. Finally, the Handbook envisions a future where heritage and the law can engage in a productive dialogue, laying the foundation for new understandings and innovative approaches to heritage management.

By lifting the mists that often obscure the legal dimensions of heritage studies, the Handbook showcases the law as a medium through which the culture and power of heritage are expressed and can be shared. It provides a comprehensive examination of the legal frameworks, principles, and practices that govern heritage, offering valuable insights for scholars, students, policymakers, and practitioners alike. Whether one is interested in museum studies, heritage conservation, or cultural policy, this handbook serves as a valuable resource for navigating the complex terrain of heritage and the law.

In conclusion, The Routledge Handbook of Heritage and the Law is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the complex relationship between heritage and the law. By examining the law as a transnational phenomenon, the Handbook sheds light on its power and influence on heritage practices, while also recognizing the potential of heritage as a catalyst for legal engagement and social change. This handbook is a valuable resource for scholars, students, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to understand the legal dimensions of heritage and its role in shaping our collective future.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367687632