Among the many current comparative law debates now taking place, a few stand out. Some of these have been referred to already as sub-themes of the Theme Comparative Law. Alongside these, there are two others that occupy most comparative lawyers. One relates to the question, ‘What is the field of study for comparative law?’ Comparative lawyers stand on either side of the private law/public law divide, though the dividing line is itself becoming slightly blurred. The second debate, which is related to the convergence debate, is on how to regard the creation of ius commune novum and the common law of human rights. This sub-theme looks at these two debates. Both are handled through our customary two Variations.