The English influence on the development of Maltese private international law

Abstract

Maltese Private International Law is still very much in the formative stage. The end of the formative stage is not yet in sight. The influence of English Private International Law on the development of Maltese conflict of law r:ules is due to Malta's historical ties with England over the course of nearly two centuries. Social and commercial intercourse between these two nations has necessitated that Maltese Private International Law develops. Fundamentally the motivating force of law is necessity. The basic essence of Private International Law is conflict, that is a conflict between the different rules of different legal units. Such conflicts arose primarily between the Maltese and English systems. An awareness of English conflict of law rules was inevitable. There is influence where there is contact.