PHL3610

Philosophy of law

Chin Liew Ten

8 points
* 2 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisites: First-year philosophy followed by any two eight-point second-year philosophy subjects or by two compulsory law subjects, unless special permission is given by head of department

Objectives To promote the understanding of the relationship between law and morality, with particular reference to the nature of legal rules and principles and their modes of identification.

Synopsis The subject deals with moral and political aspects of law, including the differences between moral and legal obligation, the nature of legal rules and principles and the relation between law and morals. Particular attention will be paid to recent controversies.

Assessment Two essays (3000 words each): 50% each
* One essay may optionally be replaced by a 3-hour examination

Prescribed texts

A collection of readings available from the department and on reserve in the Sir Louis Matheson Library