La transformación del derecho civil: desafíos contemporáneos y principios fundamentales J. Law Epistemic Stud. (July - December 2023) 1(2): 25-29 https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14280792 ISSN: XXXX-XXXX REVIEW ARTICLE The transformation of civil Law: Contemporary challenges and fundamental principles  Vania González vaniag@uniss.edu.cu Universidad de Sancti Spíritus “José Martí Pérez”, Cuba. Received: 05 March 2023 / Accepted: 30 April 2023 / Published online: 05 July 2023 © The Author(s) 2023 Vania González · Darío Delgado Abstract This study analyzed the evolution of civil law from a critical perspective, focusing on the fundamental principles of freedom of will, equality before the law, and good faith and their adaptation to contemporary demands. A qualitative approach was used, employing doctrinal and comparative methods to examine legislation, doctrine, and jurisprudence from various jurisdictions. The findings high- lighted the permanence of these principles as essential pil- lars, although their practical application varied by context. In Europe, civil codes demonstrated greater flexibility in ad- dressing emerging challenges such as digital rights and envi- ronmental sustainability. At the same time, in Latin America, regulatory gaps were identified in areas such as data protec- tion and electronic commerce. The study also emphasized the importance of state intervention in regulating civil law, particularly in jurisdictions with less developed regulatory frameworks. It concluded that civil law faces the challenge of evolving toward a multidimensional approach that inte- grates ethical, social, and environmental values, promoting interdisciplinary cooperation and legislative harmonization. These adaptations are essential to ensuring a legal frame- work that addresses the challenges of a globalized and tech- nologically advanced society, maintaining its relevance as an instrument of justice and equity. Keywords civil law, fundamental principles, legal codifica- tion, normative adaptation, justice, equity. Resumen El presente trabajo analizó la evolución del de- recho civil desde una perspectiva crítica, enfocándose en los principios fundamentales de autonomía de la voluntad, igualdad ante la ley y buena fe, y su adaptación a las de- mandas contemporáneas. Se utilizó un enfoque cualitativo basado en métodos doctrinales y comparativos, examinando legislación, doctrina y jurisprudencia de diversas jurisdiccio- nes. Los resultados destacaron la permanencia de estos prin- cipios como pilares esenciales, aunque su aplicación práctica varió entre contextos. En Europa, los códigos civiles mos- traron mayor flexibilidad para abordar desafíos emergentes, como los derechos digitales y la sostenibilidad ambiental, mientras que en América Latina se identificaron vacíos nor- mativos en áreas como la protección de datos y el comercio electrónico. Asimismo, el estudio evidenció la importancia de la intervención estatal en la regulación del derecho civil, especialmente en jurisdicciones con menor desarrollo nor- mativo. Se concluyó que el derecho civil enfrenta el desa- fío de evolucionar hacia un enfoque multidimensional que integre valores éticos, sociales y ambientales, fomentando la cooperación interdisciplinaria y la armonización legisla- tiva. Estas adaptaciones son imprescindibles para garantizar un marco jurídico que responda a los retos de una sociedad globalizada y tecnológicamente avanzada, manteniendo su relevancia como instrumento de justicia y equidad. Palabras clave derecho civil, principios fundamentales, co- dificación jurídica, adaptación normativa, justicia, equidad. How to cite González, V., & Delgado, D. (2023). The transformation of civil Law: Contemporary challenges and fundamental principles. Journal of Law and Epistemic Studies, 1(2), 25-29. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14280792

J. Law Epistemic Stud. (July - December 2023) 1(2): 25-29 26 Introduction Civil Law constitutes one of the fundamental pillars of the legal system, consolidating itself as an essential tool for reg- ulating relations between individuals and protecting individ- ual rights within a framework of justice and equity. From its genesis in the Roman ius civile to its modern configuration, this normative body has evolved to respond to the challenges of contemporary society. From this perspective, principles such as good faith, autonomy of the will, and equality be- fore the law have been highlighted by authors such as Corral (2022), who point out that these guiding principles are indis- pensable to guarantee legal certainty in human interactions. Furthermore, the general theory of the contract, developed by Lasarte et al. (2017), emphasizes how Civil Law has laid the foundations for subsequent legal disciplines, adapting to new realities through legislative and jurisprudential reforms. However, Civil Law faces the challenge of remaining rele- vant in a constantly changing world. One of the fundamental problems in this area is the need for more harmonization be- tween traditional norms and contemporary social demands (Woolcott-Oyague et al., 2018), such as the need to regulate new contractual scenarios, redefine possession, and guar- antee the comprehensive protection of human rights. Lama (2011), in his analysis of precarious possession, highlights how discrepancies between legal definitions and their prac- tical application generate conflicts that hinder uniformity in resolving disputes, evidencing a regulatory vacuum in certain specific contexts of Civil Law (Pasco, 2023). This type of problem highlights the urgency of adopting dynamic approaches that allow Civil Law to respond effectively to current demands. On the other hand, the concept of the person in Civil Law also raises questions about its scope and evolution. The pos- itivist tendency that reduces the person to a subject of rights and duties in the legal field has impoverished its ontological and ethical understanding (Calvo, 2004; Casas et al., 2018). This reduction conflicts with the social and ethical demands to recognize human dignity as an inviolable core, even in biotechnology and reproductive rights contexts. Therefore, the problem underlying this research is to identify how Civil Law can be integrated with other disciplines and fundamen- tal values to remain a coherent, accessible normative system that protects people’s rights in a rapidly changing society. This paper analyzes the theoretical and practical impli- cations of civil law’s fundamental principles from a critical perspective. It also aims to examine its capacity to adapt to new social realities and propose normative solutions for overcoming current challenges. This approach addresses both traditional problems and emerging needs in this field. Civil Law is based on essential principles that guide its ap- plication and guarantee justice and equity in legal relations. These principles include autonomy of the will, equality be- fore the law, and the protection of good faith, which form the pillars on which this normative body is built. The autonomy of the will allows individuals to freely agree on the condi- tions of their agreements (Sarde, 2022) as long as they do not contravene public order or good customs and reinforces the principle of freedom in legal relations. According to Lasarte et al. (2017), this principle expresses individual sovereignty and is crucial for the configuration of contracts and the inter- action between parties on equal terms. Equality before the law is another cardinal principle of Civil Law, guaranteeing that all people are treated equally in their legal interactions (Vélez et al., 2021). This principle ensures no discrimination in applying the rules, strengthens trust in the legal system, and reinforces its legitimacy. As Corral (2022) explains, equality before the law is not only a normative ideal but also a tool to overcome structural barriers and protect the most vulnerable sectors of society. Correctly implementing this principle is essential in a legal system that aims to guarantee material justice. Good faith, both in its objective and subjective aspects, has been consolidated as a fundamental principle of Civil Law (Martínez, 2021). In its objective dimension, good faith acts as a standard of loyal and honest conduct that must govern legal relations, promoting trust and stability in legal interac- tions. On the other hand, in its subjective aspect, it refers to the reasonable belief of the parties in the legitimacy of their acts. This principle has been especially relevant in the con- tractual field, where it facilitates the resolution of conflicts and prevents abusive behavior. Recent jurisprudence has re- inforced the protection of good faith as a regulatory axis in the interpretation of contracts (Lasarte et al., 2017). The interaction of these principles not only structures Civil Law but also reflects the fundamental values of society. In a context of constant social and technological transforma- tions, these principles must be adapted to continue fulfill- ing their integrating function. For example, good faith takes on new nuances in electronic commerce and other forms of digital interaction, where trust is key to developing transac- tions. Likewise, the autonomy of the will faces challenges in the face of legislation that regulates new scenarios, such as digital rights or smart contracts. This dynamism reinforces the importance of these principles as normative and ethical guides to respond to contemporary demands (Corral, 2022). Civil codification has been decisive in systematizing and unifying legal norms regulating individual relations. This process has allowed the creation of coherent and organized legal bodies, such as the Napoleonic Code of 1804, which served as a model for numerous legal systems in Europe and Latin America. According to Corral (2022), civil codification facilitated legal access to the law and reinforced legal cer- tainty and security by establishing clear principles governing

J. Law Epistemic Stud. (July - December 2023) 1(2): 25-29 27 individual relations (Pérez & Vidal, 2014). However, society’s constant evolution poses challenges to traditional codification. Aspects such as globalization, tech- nological advances, and cultural diversity require continuous review and adaptation of civil codes. When addressing the common framework of reference for European Civil Law, Jerez (2015) emphasizes that flexibility and updating codes are essential to maintaining relevance and effectiveness in a constantly changing world. This process includes integrating principles of social justice and environmental sustainability, aspects previously not considered in traditional legal sys- tems. Furthermore, modern codes must incorporate interna- tional principles that promote harmonization between legal systems. Codification must evolve to address issues such as e-commerce, digital rights, and consumer protection, which are essential in the current context (Lasarte et al., 2017). This dynamism not only reinforces the relevance of Civil Law at the local level but also broadens its scope in a globalized environment. The State plays a crucial role in regulating Civil Law, act- ing as a guarantor of the balance between the autonomy of individuals and the protection of the public interest. Through its legislative and judicial function, the State establishes the normative framework that regulates relations between indi- viduals, ensuring that these develop in a context of legality and equity. According to Lama (2011), this regulation is es- sential to prevent abuses and protect fundamental rights, es- pecially in cases where economic or social inequalities affect access to justice. Furthermore, the State is responsible for intervening in cases of conflict to guarantee justice and equity. In this sense, Article 911 of the Peruvian Civil Code, analyzed by Lama (2011), highlights how the State regulation of precarious possession seeks to standardize jurisprudential criteria and protect the most vulnerable parties in property conflicts. This intervention is essential to maintain confidence in the legal system and ensure that civil relations are carried out fairly and orderly. The role of the State in Civil Law includes promoting prin- ciples that reflect contemporary ethical and social values. It stresses that the regulatory framework must adapt to current needs, including protecting emerging rights related to bio- ethics and sustainability (Calvo, 2004; Lema, 2021). This perspective reinforces the importance of the State not only as a legislator but also as a mediator and protector in a dynamic and changing system. Methodology This research is developed using a qualitative approach, using doctrinal and comparative methods to analyze the evolution and application of civil codification in various contemporary legal systems. A qualitative approach allows a deep understanding of the legal phenomena studied, focu- sing on the interpretive analysis of legal and doctrinal texts. This approach is suitable for exploring the complexities and nuances of Civil Law in different contexts. The research is descriptive and exploratory. It seeks to describe the charac- teristics and particularities of civil codification in different jurisdictions and explore current trends and challenges in its implementation and adaptation. Doctrinal Method: A thorough analysis of the relevant le- gal doctrine is carried out, examining the interpretations and theories proposed by various authors on civil codification. This method allows us to identify the topic’s theoretical foun- dations and academic discussions. Comparative Method: Ci- vil codification laws and practices in different countries are compared, identifying similarities, differences, and possible mutual influences. This method facilitates understanding how different legal systems approach codification and allows us to draw lessons applicable to other jurisdictions. Primary Information Sources: Civil codes, laws, decrees, and relevant jurisprudence from the studied countries are analyzed. These sources provide the regulatory framework and official interpretations that support the research. Secondary: Academic articles, books, theses, and other documents that address civil codification from various pers- pectives are reviewed. These sources offer critical and con- textual analyses that enrich the understanding of the topic. Data Collection Techniques Document Analysis: Legal and doctrinal texts are systematically examined, identifying key concepts, principles, and trends in civil codification. This technique allows the organization and synthesis of in- formation relevant to the study. Semi-structured Interviews: Interviews with Civil and Comparative Law experts obtain insights and perspectives that complement the documentary analysis. Interviews provide valuable qualitative information that may be outside of written sources. Legal Interpretation: Hermeneutic methods are applied to unravel the meaning and scope of civil norms in the different legal systems analyzed. This includes the literal, systematic, and teleological interpretation of legal provisions. Compara- tive Analysis: The different civil codifications are contrasted, identifying common patterns and significant divergences. This analysis allows the effectiveness and relevance of the different approaches to codification to be evaluated. Results and discussion This research has revealed important findings on the evo- lution and adaptation of Civil Law in various contemporary legal systems, highlighting this normative body’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities.

J. Law Epistemic Stud. (July - December 2023) 1(2): 25-29 28 The principles of autonomy of the will, equality before the law, and good faith continue to be fundamental pillars of Civil Law, but their practical application varies significantly between jurisdictions. In European systems, such as those of France and Germany, the autonomy of the will has been successfully adapted to new areas, such as e-commerce and smart contracts, offering flexibility and modernity to con- tractual relations. However, in Latin America, this principle faces limitations due to the need for more specific regulation for digital scenarios and structural imbalances in contractual relations, making achieving equity in its application difficult. Good faith has proven to be a key regulator in digital trans- actions, guaranteeing trust and transparency in electronic commerce (Sánchez, 2023). However, the jurisprudential in- terpretation of this principle varies between countries, which generates legal uncertainty in some jurisdictions. Although equality before the law guarantees formal justice in most systems, its implementation faces challenges in contexts with structural inequalities, such as in some areas of Latin America, where socioeconomic barriers limit equal access to justice. These principles require a dynamic approach that allows their adaptation to contemporary challenges and more effective implementation in diverse contexts. Civil codification has been essential for the systemati- zation of law, providing a clear and accessible regulatory framework that governs relations between individuals. In Europe, the flexibility and constant updating of civil codes have made it possible to address contemporary challenges more effectively, such as digital rights and environmental sustainability, by adapting to social and technological trans- formations. This adaptability has strengthened the relevance of European codes in modern and globalized contexts. In Latin America, civil codes have effectively provid- ed clarity and legal certainty, facilitating access to the law. However, they need to fill in emerging areas, such as data protection and e-commerce, which limits their ability to respond to current demands. These differences between regions highlight the need for greater dynamism in Latin American codes, which allows for the integration of contem- porary principles and progress towards a regulation more in line with new social and technological realities. The State plays a central role in guaranteeing equity and protecting fundamental rights. However, the effectiveness of its inter- vention varies: In jurisdictions with uniform jurisprudential criteria, such as Peru, regulating concepts such as precarious possession have proven effective, contributing to resolving conflicts consistently and strengthening confidence in the legal sys- tem. However, in contexts with less regulatory development, legal gaps persist that hinder the protection of fundamental rights and generate legal uncertainty. More significant in- vestment in training legal operators and constantly updating regulations is essential to overcome these deficiencies, en- suring an efficient and adaptable regulatory framework. Civil Law faces the challenge of evolving towards a mul- tidimensional approach that integrates ethical, social, and environmental values, allowing it to address globalization and technological advances. The regulation of emerging ar- eas, such as biotechnology, digital rights, and environmental sustainability, requires interdisciplinary collaboration with fields such as bioethics and information sciences. Howev- er, the need for legislative harmonization in Latin America limits the capacity of Civil Law to respond to everyday chal- lenges, such as consumer protection in digital environments, highlighting the need to strengthen regional cooperation and develop more comprehensive regulatory frameworks. These findings confirm Civil Law’s relevance as a legal system pillar and highlight the need for dynamic and flexi- ble approaches that integrate traditional principles with con- temporary demands. The interaction between Civil Law and other disciplines is crucial for strengthening its capacity to guarantee justice and equity in a globalized world. Conclusions The principles of autonomy of the will, equality before the law, and good faith remain essential in the structure of civil law, but their implementation requires dynamic adaptations. Autonomy of the will faces significant challenges in Latin America due to the need for more regulation in emerging areas such as digital contracts. Similarly, fundamental, good faith and equality before the law need a more uniform and equitable approach that reduces many jurisdictions’ structu- ral and socioeconomic barriers. Civil codification has been fundamental in providing cla- rity and accessibility to the law, but its ability to respond to modern demands depends on constant updating. Codes have shown greater flexibility in integrating issues such as envi- ronmental sustainability and digital rights in Europe. At the same time, in Latin America, gaps persist in regulating cru- cial issues such as e-commerce and data protection. The State has a decisive role in regulating Civil Law, not only as a guarantor of equity and fundamental rights but also as a promoter of regulatory changes. In contexts with more excellent regulatory development, such as Peru, state inter- vention has allowed for more effective regulation of com- plex problems, such as precarious possession. However, in jurisdictions with less development, it is essential to invest in training for legal operators and to guarantee more coherent and updated regulations. Civil Law must evolve towards a multidimensional approach incorporating ethical, social, and environmental

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