LAW4137 - Legal philosophy - 2018

Students will study the major contemporary theories of the nature of law and legal reasoning (positivism, natural law, interpretivism, realism), and the main lines of debates between them. These debates concern the nature and foundations of law, the relationship between law and justice, the nature of legal reasoning and the role of value-judgments and creativity in judicial decision-making, the meaning of statutes and constitutions, and judicial activism and fidelity to law. Students will also study how philosophical debates about these issues illuminate actual controversies in the practical administration of legal systems.

At the successful completion of this Unit, students will be able to:

1. Articulate and critically assess the major theories of the nature of law and legal reasoning, demonstrating sophisticated awareness of the main lines of debate between them;
2. Demonstrate cognitive and creative skills in analysing the complex issues at stake in these debates, and the capacity to draw and defend well-reasoned conclusions;
3. Communicate such analysis and conclusions effectively, appropriately and persuasively;
4. Appreciate and explain how these debates illuminate actual controversies in the practical administration of legal systems.
5. Learn and work autonomously and use feedback to improve their own capabilities and performance.

Class Participation: (10%)

Compulsory research assignment 2,000 words: (40%)

Final examination: (2 hours plus 30 minutes and noting reading time): 50%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information