The role of civil liability reform in fire risk reduction in Iberian Peninsula (18th and early 19th centuries)

Project Information

LOWRISK

Grant agreement ID: 101026373

DOI

10.3030/101026373

Project closed

EC signature date 16 March 2021

Start date 1 September 2021

End date 31 August 2023

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 172 932,48

EU contribution

€ 172 932,48

Coordinated by

UNIVERSIDAD DE NAVARRA
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - LOWRISK (The role of civil liability reform in fire risk reduction in Iberian Peninsula (18th and early 19th centuries))

Reporting period: 2021-09-01 to 2023-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Summary
LOWRISK aimed at delving into the historical management of fire in Spanish society, with a specific focus on the reform of civil liability and its influence on fire regulation throughout the history of the Spanish Monarchy. The project was distinguished by its extensive geographical perspective, encompassing Iberian and American territories, and by its extensive chronological range, covering from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.

Issue Addressed by LOWRISK
The central issue focused on the historical discipline of fire management in Spanish society. The objective was to understand the evolution of this discipline and how it was influenced by changes in the concepts and practices of civil liability. Specifically, the investigation delved into the transition from considering unintentional fires as civil matters to categorizing them as crimes.

Importance for Society
The relevance of LOWRISK extends to multiple dimensions. Firstly, this project shed light on how legal and cultural factors have influenced society’s attitudes and behaviours regarding fire. This understanding is fundamental in informing modern fire prevention policies and risk reduction strategies. Additionally, LOWRISK underscored the significance of historical memory in risk perception, demonstrating how it can contribute to reducing risk construction and, ultimately, making society less vulnerable to hazards.

Overall Objectives
LOWRISK set a series of overall objectives, each contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the issue:
O1 To specialize in the synchronic and diachronic comparison of normative translation. This objective involved meticulous research and analysis of the evolution of legal norm in different cultural contexts over time. The emphasis was on identifying global trends and common patterns in legislation and legal practices.
O2 To fill an historiographical gap, studying as in the past the reform of civil liability played a decisive role in raising awareness of the society towards a more prudent use of fire and in the consequent reduction of the fire risk.
O3 To propose a methodology allowing the study of civil liability and its role in fire risk reduction in other cultural contexts, not considered by this research, both European and non-European.
O4 To enclose academic discourses of History and Law.
O5 To demonstrate to society the role that civil liability reform can play in reducing risks.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Work Carried Out and Notable Results
During the development of LOWRISK, significant results were achieved for each of the outlined objectives:
O1 LOWRISK achieved specialization in the synchronic and diachronic comparison of normative translation through the publication of two scientific articles (indexed/Open-Access journals) that examined the impact of these practices in different cultural contexts and historical periods. These articles provided a deep insight into how the translation of legal norms has affected societies and regions over time.
O2 The historiographical gap regarding civil liability reform and its relation to awareness of prudent use of fire in society was successfully addressed, publishing two scientific articles (indexed/Open-Access journals) that conclusively demonstrated how legal reforms played a fundamental role in promoting safe behaviours concerning the use of fire.
O3 Thanks to the research and publications resulting from LOWRISK, an effective methodology was developed involving synchronic and diachronic comparison, exploration of legal and cultural elements, global reproduction of normative options, and integration of legal and cultural factors. This methodology is now provided as a valuable tool that can be applied in similar studies across different cultural contexts.
O4 LOWRISK achieved the integration of academic discourses from History and Law through the publication of scientific articles and the organization of academic events that brought historians and jurists together. This allowed for an enriching exchange of ideas and knowledge between these disciplines.
O5 The project successfully showcased the significance of civil liability reform in mitigating anthropogenic risks and the impact of historical memory on risk perception, thanks to extensive outreach initiatives.

Main Results Achieved at the End of the Project
Upon reaching the end of the project, LOWRISK can highlight several notable achievements:
>Publication of Relevant Research: The project generated a substantial corpus of research published in leading scientific journals. These works provide a solid foundation for future research in the field of risk management and the relationship between civil liability reform and fire safety.
>Applicable Methodology: LOWRISK developed a methodology that can be applied in similar studies across different cultural and temporal contexts. This will contribute to the expansion of knowledge in risk management and legal history.
>Promotion of Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The project successfully integrated academic discourses from History and Law, fostering collaboration between historians and jurists.
>Extensive Outreach and Enhanced Public Awareness: LOWRISK conducted extensive outreach initiatives, effectively reaching a diverse and substantial audience, significantly amplifying understanding, and consciousness regarding risk management. Furthermore, the project illustrated the fundamental role of historical memory in shaping how risks are perceived, fostering a broader appreciation of the relationship between past experiences and present risk assessment.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Progress Beyond the State of the Art
LOWRISK progressed beyond the state of the art in several fundamental aspects. First and foremost, it adopted an interdisciplinary approach in addressing issues involving both History and Law, surpassing the traditional limitations of these disciplines. Furthermore, it emphasized the crucial role of historical memory in risk perception, an aspect often overlooked in contemporary risk management approaches. It also achieved a global comparative analysis, enabling a deeper understanding of how legal norms have adapted and reproduced in different cultural and temporal contexts.

Potential Impacts
The potential impacts of LOWRISK encompass several dimensions:
>Academic Impact: The project has contributed to the integration of academic disciplines (History and Law) and provides solid grounds for future research in risk management, legal history, and historical memory.
>Impact on the Scientific Community: LOWRISK's research has been published in leading scientific journals, allowing other scholars to benefit from the results and methodology developed.
>Impact on Society: LOWRISK's outreach activities have reached a broad audience, increasing awareness of risk management. This can influence societal attitudes toward fire prevention and the adoption of safer practices.
>Economic Impact: Effective management of anthropogenic risks, such as fires, can have a significant economic impact by preventing costly disasters and material losses. Policies based on LOWRISK's research and topics can contribute to reducing economic losses.
>Impact on Public Policies: The emphasis on civil liability reform in risk management can influence the formulation of public policies related to fire prevention and risk reduction. This can lead to a more effective approach to societal safety.

Guest Lecture at the University of Córdoba, Spain, held on May 3, 2023

Guest Lecture at the University of Valparaíso, Chile, held on March 18, 2022

Official UNAV Profile Photo

Workshop at the University of Seville, Spain, held on November 28-29, 2022

Illustration from the novel “El incendiario (La panadera)”, by Xavier de Montépin, 1885