Synopses & Reviews
Organised around key themes, Philosophy of Law helps students new to the subject get to grips with the competing schools of thought in Jurisprudence. Exploring a full range of perspectives from natural law theorists and positivists to contemporary Critical Legal Studies, this text covers such topics as:
- The elements of modern legal systems including institutions, actors and procedures
- Core concepts such as coercion, justice, rules and authority
- Private and public law from tort, contract and property to criminal and international law
- Law and the individual theories of duty to the law and civil disobedience
- Sources of law, constitutions and judicial review
In addition, case studies such as the contested American Presidential election of 2000, intellectual property rights in the digital age and debates over religious freedom help students ground abstract philosophical debates in real-world problems. Each chapter also features essay questions, key terms boxes and guides to further reading and online resources to help readers master the topics covered.
Synopsis
Organized around specific questions, theses and arguments, Philosophy of Law: Introducing Jurisprudence helps students get to grips with the fascinating yet often complex realm of legal philosophy.
This comprehensive introduction explores fundamental questions about legal systems, legal reasoning, and legal concepts, covering a wide range of topics in jurisprudence including:
• Liability
• Punishment
• Causation
• Discretion
• Precedent
• Constitutional disobedience
• The rule of law
Packed with boxed case studies, chapter discussion questions, guides to further reading, a glossary of key terms and online resources for lecturers and students, Jeffrey Brand guides the reader through ideas in an accessible way. Philosophy of Law is ideal for use as a core textbook or as a companion to a set of primary sources.
About the Author
Jeffrey Brand is Associate Professor of Philosophy at George Washington University, USA.
Table of Contents
Preface
Website
1. Aspects of Law and Legal Systems
2. Courts and Legal Reasoning
3. Making, Justifying, and Evaluating Law
4. Law and Individual Obligation
5. Private Law
6. Criminal Law
7. Sentencing and Punishment
8. Statutes
9. Constitutions
10. International Law
Notes
Glossary
Bibliography
Index