Product Description

What is law? Does it have a purpose? What is its relationship with justice? Do we have a moral duty to obey the law? These sorts of questions lie at the heart of jurisprudence. Moreover, every substantive or 'black letter' branch of the law raises questions about its own meaning and function. The law of contract cannot be properly understood without an appreciation of the concepts of rights and duties. The law of tort is directly related to several economic theories of compensation. The criminal law is inextricably linked to philosophies of punishment? Understanding Jurisprudence explores these problems and provides an engaging introduction to the central issues of legal theory. The book navigates the reader through legal philosophy's fundamental concepts, concerns, and controversies. An experienced teacher of jurisprudence and distinguished writer in the field, Professor Wacks adopts an approach that is easy to follow and understand without avoiding the complexities and subtleties of the subject. Students of law, politics, philosophy, and other social sciences will find this an ideal guide to the essential themes of contemporary jurisprudence. Online Resource Centre A free online resource accompanies the book and provides the following resources: Analysis of current controversies of a jurisprudential nature such as current legal and moral controversies and political debates An additional chapter providing guidance and advice on the study of jurisprudence An interactive glossary of key terms relating to legal theory Further reading, including links to full text journal articles Questions and answers Useful Web links to support learning

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21213 in Books
• Published on: 2009-02-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 416 pages

About the Author
Raymond Wacks is Emeritus Professor of Law and Legal Theory at the University of Hong Kong.

His major areas of interest are legal theory, and human rights, in particular the protection of privacy, on which he is a leading international authority. In March 1997 he was awarded a higher doctorate in law (LLD) by the University of London for his publications on privacy and legal theory.

Customer Reviews

Great for Jurisprudence topics or ethical issues that arise in philosophy or law.
Really excellent book when trying to understand what role morality should play in law and should people prima facie obey the law. Covers natural law and positivism as well as numerous other theories (marxism etc...)

Very good for guiding you through the tricky issues that jurisprudence or ethics in law has and well worth buying if you are on a law degree course or even if you are studying philosophy.