We are witnessing a Europe in turmoil, tormented by the violence of ethnic and nationalist struggles which legitimate themselves in the name of identity. This anthology explores the assumptions of identity by disassembling old myths and fictions of unity in relation to the subject, politics and art. Other than identity offers the possibility of rethinking the concept and introducing instead notions of self and other, identity politics and aesthetics. Through theoretical and concrete examples, this study exemplifies the best of current (...) thinking concerning identity. It marks a new venture in multi-disciplinarity, bringing together writers identified with different discursive fields and visual artists to produce work specifically for this publication. Not only will each chapter be a contribution to particular specialist genres but the collection as a whole will offer new possibilities for rethinking identity. The multifarious approach will appeal to a wide spectrum of disciplines and discourses and to anyone with an interest in what is traditionally identified as culture. (shrink)

This article re-examines the House of Lords» decision in Pepper v Hart, which relaxed the rule prohibiting courts from using ministerial explanations of Bills in Parliament in the construction of statutes. It recognizes the importance of context in the interpretation of statutes, but questions the assumption in the case that intention can be attributed to Parliament. It argues that the case can be confined to authorizing the use of ministerial statements in Parliament when such statements can be shown to be (...) inconsistent with arguments made by government before the courts on the meaning of the legislation. Any broader interpretation of the decision raises serious constitutional objections. (shrink)