Abstract

This paper aims to demonstrate through the analysis of some court cases that a contextual approach in the decision-making process is not only typical of the «Confucian» legal systems of the Far East but is a relatively frequent phenomenon in Western legal systems as well. However, in Western legal systems, the need to formally follow the rule of law usually makes this decision-making process less evident. This trend has recently become more pronounced and decisions based on case-by-case assessment can also be found in some CJEU rulings. An attempt will, therefore, be made to identify the reasons for this tendency and to understand what critical issues and benefits may result from the application of a law based on more flexible rules and general clauses.