The Operation of the Escape Clauses in the Rome Convention, Rome I Regulation and Rome II Regulation

This article critically discusses the various approaches to the operation of the escape clauses in the Rome Convention, Rome I Regulation and Rome II Regulation. A proposal is made for the deletion of the doctrine of implied choice of law in view of different conflicting decisions in English courts concerning its relationship with the escape clause under the Rome Convention. Recent English judicial decisions are utilised in distinguishing the threshold of displacement under the Rome Convention and Rome I Regulation. Recent judicial decisions from England and Ireland are utilised. Proposals are made as to how a pre-existing relationship should be utilised in applying the escape clause under the Rome II Regulation.