This course is an introduction to the major themes and topics in the philosophy of law. Through an examination of classical and contemporary readings related to this topic, we will address such issues as the scope and nature of law, the relationship between law and individual freedom, justifications for legal punishment and the nature of international law. As the course progresses students will acquire the tools that are necessary to think critically about the foregoing topics. Authors will include Thomas Aquinas, H.L.A. Hart, John Austin and the British jurist Patrick Devlin.

"Course Outline" [1]