Scale of Commonality

= The report "The Scale of Commonality – Reform Proposals for Integrating Commons into Law" is a significant French document from 2021 that explores integrating the concept of "commons" into the French legal system.

* Report: Marie Pierre Camproux Duffrène, Véronique Jaworski. L’Echelle de communalité, Propositions de réforme pour intégrer les biens communs en droit. [Rapport de recherche] Mission de recherche Droit et Justice. 2022.

URL = https://hal.science/hal-03718600

Abstract

Translated from the French:

"The research work dedicated to "The Scale of Commonality – Reform Proposals for Integrating Commons into Law" was not aimed at identifying or describing the various concepts within the broader commons framework—such as common goods, shared heritage, common things, or the notion of "commons" (whether in singular or plural form). Instead, it sought to systematically examine the degree of "commonality" in certain legal frameworks surrounding goods or resources. The goal was to make the already existing communal dimension of certain resources more visible, while promoting its recognition and legal protection."

The original in French:

"Le travail de recherche consacré à « L’échelle de communalité – Propositions de réformes pour intégrer les biens communs en droit » a eu pour objet, non pas de mener l’identification ou la description des diverses notions peuplant la galaxie des communs hors et dans la sphère juridique – biens communs, patrimoines communs, choses communes ou communs ou commun (pluriel ou singulier) –, mais d'étudier de manière systématique le degré de « communalité » de certains agencements juridiques autour de biens ou de choses en rendant visible la dimension commune déjà existante autour de certaines ressources et en favorisant sa reconnaissance et sa protection."

Discussion

Scope of the research

Judith Rochfeld:

(translated)

"The research work that led to this report did not aim to simply describe or identify the various concepts within the broad framework of the commons—such as common goods, shared heritage, common things, or the notion of “commons” (whether singular or plural). Instead, its goal was to assess and strengthen the degree of “commonality” in certain legal frameworks surrounding goods or resources through new legal interpretations, reforms of existing laws, and the introduction of new provisions. These resources may belong to environmental, cultural, or other domains, whether material or immaterial, and whether privately owned or not.

Traditionally, our relationship with resources has been understood through the lens of ownership, focusing on what is considered private property while neglecting the “common” dimension they may hold. However, some resources can be assigned to a legally and socially defined common interest, benefiting specific communities—whether as users, preservers, decision-makers, or overseers.

The first, conceptual part of the report defines “commonality” based on two key criteria:

• Allocation to a common interest

• Inclusivity (the impossibility of excluding others).

It also examines the relationship between commonality and both private and public ownership and justifies the use of the "Scale of Commonality" as a measurement tool. This section further explores interdisciplinary and comparative legal approaches used to develop and test the proposed reforms.

The second part of the report presents proposals for legal reforms, divided into two main sections:

Defining legal frameworks that can support commonality:

• A minimum threshold for commonality, defined as shared heritage (patrimoine commun) (Section 1).

• A more specific category emphasizing common use and the exclusion of private ownership, defined as the common thing (chose commune) (Section 2).

Possible reorientations for public goods (Section 3).

• Voluntary allocation mechanisms that could be used to ensure the pursuit of a common interest or inclusivity (Section 4).

For each of these legal categories, the report proposes general legal reforms, analyzing their historical background, definitions, and current legal status, as well as identifying gaps in the existing legal framework. Special reports then examine how these proposed changes would affect specific areas or types of resources.

Recognizing legal prerogatives related to commonality:

Beyond protecting existing individual rights, including fundamental rights, the report suggests recognizing new legally protected interests, such as diffuse interests (collective rather than individual rights).

It also calls for revisiting the governance of resources with a communal character, advocating for rights to information, participation, co-decision-making, and legal action.

Overall, the report aims to establish a legal foundation for commons by integrating them into existing law, governance structures, and legal protections, ensuring that certain resources serve the collective interest rather than being subjected solely to private or state ownership."

(http://www.gip-recherche-justice.fr/publication/lechelle-de-communalite/)