- A lively and accessible introduction to the social, moral, and cultural foundations of law
- Takes a broad scope spanning philosophy, law, politics, economics, and discusses a wide range of topics including women's rights, racism, and the environment
- Approaches the great debates and controversies with clarity by avoiding technical language
- Reveals the intriguing and challenging nature of legal philosophy
- Part of the Very Short Introductions series - over six million copies sold worldwide
New to this edition
- Incorporates the highly significant works of Ronald Dworkin, Scott Shapiro, John Finnis, and Neil McCormick
- Includes a new section on legal realism
- Includes new material on historical and anthropological jurisprudence
- Further reading section has been revised and updated
The concept of law lies at the heart of our social and political life. Legal philosophy, or jurisprudence, explores the notion of law and its role in society, illuminating its meaning and its relation to the universal questions of justice, rights, and morality.
In this Very Short Introduction Raymond Wacks analyses the nature and purpose of the legal system, and the practice by courts, lawyers, and judges. Wacks reveals the intriguing and challenging nature of legal philosophy with clarity and enthusiasm, providing an enlightening guide to the central questions of legal theory.
In this revised edition Wacks makes a number of updates including new material on legal realism, changes to the approach to the analysis of law and legal theory, and updates to historical and anthropological jurisprudence.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Readership: Students of law, philosophy, politics, and social sciences, as well as general readers interested in the foundations of justice and its role in society.
