Obituary: Emeritus Professor Jan Vranken (1948–2025)
It is with great sadness that we have learned that Jan Vranken passed away on Tuesday 17 June. In 2005, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Leiden University in recognition of his work.
Vranken began his academic career at Radboud University in Nijmegen, where he obtained his PhD in 1978. From 1983 to 1997, he was Professor of Civil Law and Civil Procedure at Tilburg University. In 1997, he was appointed Professor of Methodology of Private Law at the same university, a position he held until his retirement in 2013.
In 2005, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Leiden University in recognition of his exceptional contributions to private law, particularly in the fields of legal reasoning and civil procedure. His work is regarded as foundational to both legal practice and legal scholarship. His honorary supervisor was Hans Nieuwenhuis.
Vranken was the author of three volumes in the renowned Asser Series, which is considered a standard reference in Dutch private law. In addition, he published numerous in-depth and innovative books, articles and case commentaries.
Aside from his academic career, Vranken served as Advocate General at the Supreme Court of the Netherlands from 1992 to 1997. In 1993, he was appointed a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 2005, he was honoured with the Order of the Netherlands Lion. For a good impression of what Jan Vranken was like as a person, please see the article ‘Jan Vranken: een discursieve grootheid’ by R.A.J. van Gestel en A. Hammerstein, published in the Rechtsgeleerd Magazijn THEMIS.
Throughout his remarkable career, he has been a leading figure and source of inspiration for generations of private law scholars in the Netherlands. He rightfully belongs among the greats of Dutch private law. His work will continue to hold significance for all who engage with private law, the role and duties of the judiciary, and the methodology of private law scholarship. We extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones during this time of profound loss.