Program Overview

Jurisprudence and Legal Theory A (LAWS0304)

Key Information

• Faculty: Faculty of Laws
• Teaching department: Laws
• Credit value: 22.5
• Restrictions: Cannot be taken with LAWS0332. The module is restricted to LLM students.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

Module Summary

This half-module on General Jurisprudence offers an in-depth inquiry into the nature of law. It explores key theoretical frameworks, including Austin's command theory, Hart's theory of rules, Dworkin's interpretivist approach, and Raz's authority-based theory. The module also addresses significant issues such as the nature of legal adjudication, the relationship between law and morality, and the distinction between norms, values, and the factual basis of legal systems. Through critical engagement with these theories, students will develop a deeper understanding of foundational jurisprudential questions.

Module Aims

This course aims to raise students' critical awareness of key issues in legal and moral philosophy within the Anglo-American tradition, fostering a deeper understanding of the theoretical foundations underpinning legal systems. It seeks to develop and refine students' analytical and critical thinking skills through engagement in abstract arguments, both orally and in writing. Furthermore, the module encourages students to evaluate legal doctrines and institutions critically, enabling them to theorise about specific areas of law and their normative underpinnings.

Module Outcomes

By the end of the module, students will have developed a nuanced understanding of major issues in legal and moral philosophy within the Anglo-American tradition. They will have honed their analytical and critical thinking skills through engagement with abstract arguments in both oral and written forms. Students will also be equipped to critically evaluate legal doctrines and institutions, theorising about specific areas of law and their normative foundations, while effectively navigating complex philosophical texts and debates.

Module Syllabus

The module syllabus is subject to change. Indicative module topics include:

• An inquiry into the nature of law, covering topics such as:
  • The nature of legal adjudication
  • The relationship between law and morality
  • The distinction between norms and values, and natural and social facts

Recommended Materials

• H.L.A. Hart The Concept of Law, 2nd or 3rd ed. (1996 or 2012)
• Ronald Dworkin, Taking Rights Seriously (1977) Module reading lists and other module materials will be provided via online module pages, available at the beginning of term once students have enrolled.

Preliminary Reading

• Jeremy Waldron, "Law", in The Oxford Handbook of Contemporary Philosophy, edited by Frank Jackson & Michael Smith (2005)

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

Intended Teaching Term: Term 2

• Postgraduate (FHEQ Level 7)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment: 100% Exam
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 8
• Module leader: Professor George Letsas

Last Updated

This module description was last updated on 10th March 2026.