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Chapter I General Principles
Article 1 The World Tort Law Society (hereinafter referred to as WTLS) is an international academic organization with an invited membership consisting of leading tort scholars from around the world.
Article 2 The purpose of WTLS is to provide a forum for the discussion of issues relating to tort law on a global basis, bringing together scholars and practitioners with particular expertise in tort law from around the world, with a view to promoting the understanding of the principles, theory and practice of tort law in different legal systems, and the exchange of ideas, and encouraging future developments.
Article 3 WTLS is an independent organization that observes the principle of academic freedom.
Chapter II Mission
Article 4 The mission of WTLS includes:
1. Coordinating tort scholars in countries and regions around the world in their efforts to carry out in-depth studies on the principles, theory and practice of tort law;
2. Promoting cooperation among tort scholars in countries and regions around the world and providing a forum for the exchange of information and ideas;
3. Promoting academic exchanges and cooperation among institutions around the world in relation to the study of and research into tort law;
4. Editing and publishing books and journals providing comparative analysis of tort law;
5. Promoting improvements in education and training in matters relating to tort law in countries and regions around the world.
Chapter III Membership
Article 5 Distinguished tort scholars who have made an significant and internationally recognized contribution to the understanding of tort law may be invited to become members of WTLS on the Executive Committee's acceptance of a proposal of membership put forward by two existing WTLS members. If the Executive Committee does not accept the proposal of membership, it may be accepted by the General Assembly.
Article 6 The total membership of WTLS shall be limited to the maximum number agreed by the General Assembly from time to time, with such limits applying by geographical region as the General Assembly shall prescribe.
At present, the total membership of WTLS shall be limited to a maximum of 30 members, consisting of up to 10 members from Asia (including Russia), up to 10 from Europe (not including Russia), up to 4 from North America, and up to 6 from the rest of the world.
Article 7 Members may resign their WTLS membership by communicating their desire to do so in writing to the Executive Committee.
If the Executive Committee is satisfied that any member has been engaged in serious criminal misconduct, or in conduct liable to bring WTLS into disrepute, or has persistently failed to fulfill the obligations of a WTLS member (as set out in Article 9) without good cause, it may terminate that person's membership. Before terminating any person's membership on these grounds, the Executive Committee shall first provide that person with details of the conduct it believes to have been engaged in, allowing a minimum of 28 days for the person to respond, and shall reconsider its decision to terminate the membership in light of the response provided, if any.
Article 8 Members shall enjoy the following rights:
1. The right to participate in votes in the General Assembly, including the election of the President and Executive Committee, and to stand for election to the Presidency or Executive Committee;
2. The right to participate in research and other activities organized by WTLS and affiliated research institutions;
3. The right to put motions forward for vote in the General Assembly, if seconded by two other members.
Article 9 Members shall undertake the following obligations:
1. Observing these rules and implementing WTLS decisions;
2. Undertaking tasks entrusted to them by WTLS;
3. Participating in academic activities organized by WTLS and submitting research relating to WTLS projects in accordance with procedures agreed by the General Assembly.
Chapter IV Organization
Article 10 The General Assembly is empowered to make decisions on all matters relating to the WTLS. It is constituted by all WTLS members. Decisions may be by a bare majority of members voting, provided at least 50% of all members participate in the vote. Members can only vote in the General Assembly in person, and not by proxy. The General Assembly shall meet every two years.
The responsibilities of the General Assembly are as follows:
1. Formulating and amending these rules;
2. Electing the President and Executive Committee;
3. Reviewing reports made by the Executive Committee;
4. Discussing the WTLS's programme of research and other activities.
Article 11 The General Assembly shall select a tort scholar of particular distinction and world-wide reputation as President of WTLS. All WTLS members are eligible for election as President but no member shall serve more than two terms as President. The term of office of President is four years. The election of a President shall be at a General Assembly held within the six months before or after the expiry of the previous President's term of office. The President shall continue to perform the responsibilities of the President until 3 months after the election of a successor.
The responsibilities of the President are:
1. Representing the WTLS in public forums and promoting its work;
2. Serving as an ex officio member of the Executive Committee.
Article 12 The Executive Committee shall consist of the President and three elected members. All WTLS members are eligible for election. The term of office of elected members of the Executive Committee is four years. The election of members of the Executive Committee shall be at a General Assembly held within the six months before or after the expiry of the previous Committee's term of office. Members of the Executive Committee shall continue to perform the responsibilities of the Executive Committee until 3 months after the election of a successor.
The responsibilities of the Executive Committee are:
1. Reviewing the progress of WTLS activities and the implementation of its work programme;
2. Submitting reports on WTLS activities and future plans to the General Assembly;
3. Agreeing the agenda for every General Assembly and circulating it to members at least 28 days in advance;
4. Appointing the WTLS general secretary and the staff of the WTLS secretariat.
Article 13 The WTLS secretariat shall consist of the general secretary and up to three vice secretaries. Non-members of WTLS are eligible for appointment to these positions. The term of office of the positions is four years.
The general secretary is responsible for leading the work of the secretariat, and the vice secretaries are responsible for coordinating and performing the work, as further specified in Article 14.
Article 14 The responsibilities of the secretariat are:
1. Routine administration of WTLS affairs on an ongoing basis;
2. Organizing the General Meeting and academic activities as directed by the Executive Committee.
3. Coordinating the translation of relevant academic documents;
4. Assisting in raising and managing WTLS funds;
5. Acting in conformity with these rules, the instructions issued by the Executive Committee, and with the WTLS's purposes and mission.
Chapter V Funds
Article 15 WTLS funds come from:
1. Donations, grants and subsidies;
2. Royalties on publications;
3. Other sources.
Article 16 WTLS members are responsible for obtaining their own funding to pay for travel to WTLS events.
Chapter VI Miscellaneous
Article 17 These rules are effective from the date of their approval by the General Assembly.
Article 18 The interpretation of these rules is to be decided by the General Assembly in the event of dispute.
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