Abstract

Is there life on planet law ? In an effort to answer the question, the author starts from a recent book by Guido Alpa on solidarity, considered as a «normative principle». Focusing on a specific «normative vocation», solidarity is a tool, a constitutional device to pursue socially useful results. Contract law is the specifically legal area in which solidarity finds its origin as well as its more recent dimension, through new principles, as «general clauses», «good faith», «reliance», neminem laedere, «abuse of one’s right», affecting the developement of a contractual relationship. In this direction, Alpa attaches main importance to the role of judge made law. Through judge made law, contract becomes a specific instrument of solidarity. This authentic «revolution» should be exstended to many other fields, including criminal, european and international law.