Thorbecke Day 2025: traditional and topical
The 2025 edition in Ghent was all about cryptocurrency. Matthias Haentjens delivered the Thorbecke Lecture: ‘Thorbecke, Trump and the digital future of property law’. Students argued a moot court case about digital goods and insolvency law with Leiden victorious.
Fine tradition
The collaboration between Ghent University and Leiden Law School dates back to 1975. Each year, a professor from one faculty visits the other faculty to deliver a special guest lecture. The Thorbecke Lecture is named after Professor Johan Rudolph Thorbecke, who once lectured in both Ghent and Leiden. This is a fine tradition which reinforces the bonds between the two universities and facilitates inspiring exchanges.
This year, Matthias Haentjens, Professor of Civil Law in Leiden, delivered the Thorbecke Lecture. He shared his views on the role of the law in relation to digital goods such as cryptocurrency, discussing the questions ‘what are digital goods?’ and ‘how can property law facilitate and protect parties?’ Professor Haentjens underscored the crucial role of the legislature and expressed his hope that it plays its part in these changing times: ‘Lawmakers, remember Thorbecke and take action!’
Moot Court
On this special day, a moot court competition was also held between students from Leiden and Ghent. The dispute concerned cryptocoins and insolvency. It was a close call according to the judges, but the victory eventually went to Leiden University. Congratulations to bachelor’s student Niek van Delden!
Once again, the moot court proved to be an exciting, friendly battle between students from Ghent and Leiden, and a great way to exchange knowledge and enjoy networking opportunities. Next year, the lecture and moot court will take place in Leiden.
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Matthias Haentjens, Professor of Civil Law, delivering the Thorbecke Lecture -
The Moot Court, student Niek van Delden -
The Moot Court -
The Moot Court and participating students