Abstract
The book on Theresian legal reforms is focused on several reforms, implemented or drafted, in civil service, state (constitutional) law, economy, education, unification of law and foreign policy. The book highlights the importance and activities of several major reformers in the ruler's period (Bedřich Vilém z Haugvic, Václav Antonín z Kounic, Josef ze Sonnenfelsu).
Close attention is paid to profound changes in the civil service; it was in the Theresian period that the foundations of the concept of professional bureaucracy were laid, remaining pivotal up to the present times. The following chapters tackle the significance of the Theresian period as the beginning of major changes in constitutional law and censorship.
Three separate sections are devoted to economic reforms, especially to mining law, and to the changes in lower education. The chapters on the unification of law tell the story of the beginnings of Maria Theresa's efforts to use personal and property law as a unification tool.
The example of adaptation (specificatio) familiarizes the reader with the successful concept and form of the legal institute. The book is concluded by a chapter dealing with foreign policy reforms in Maria Theresa's legal relations with Bavaria.