This book investigates the phenomenon of legal transplants, examining how legal rules and institutions are transferred from one jurisdiction to another. It explores the historical processes, motivations, and consequences of this legal borrowing, questioning the effectiveness and appropriateness of such transfers in different socio-legal contexts.

Alan Watson's work on legal transplants is recognized for its comprehensive historical and comparative approach. It is often cited for its detailed examination of how legal systems evolve through the adoption of foreign laws. The book is considered a foundational text for understanding the dynamics of legal diffusion and its impact on legal development.