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Philosophy of Law - PHI00103H

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  • Department: Philosophy
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. James Clarke
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Module summary

This module will introduce students to some key debates, positions and arguments in the philosophy of law.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

This module aims to:

1) introduce students to key debates, positions, and arguments in the philosophy of law;

2) enable students to develop their skills in critical analysis, argument, and communication.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students should:

• understand some key debates, positions, and arguments in the philosophy of law,
• be able to critically evaluate the arguments in support of those positions,
• be able to develop and clearly articulate their own positions and arguments.

Module content

This module will introduce students to some key debates, positions, and arguments in the philosophy of law. Topics considered will include some or all of the following: the nature of law; the debate between natural law theory and legal positivism; the nature of rights (Hohfeld’s analysis of rights); the choice and benefit theories of rights; human rights; justifications of human rights.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
4000 Word Essay		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

The formative essay plan is due on Wednesday of Week 6 of the Spring Term. The length should not exceed two pages of A4 in 12 point type.

The summative essay is due by 12 noon on Monday Week 1 of the Summer Term.

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
4000 Word Essay		 N/A 100

Module feedback

  • Oral feedback will be given on the essay plan within no more than two weeks of submission.
  • Students will receive feedback on their summative work within four weeks of submission.
  • Students will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor's regular feedback and advice hours.

Indicative reading

The following list is indicative:

Alexy, R. The Argument from Injustice: A Reply to Legal Positivism (Oxford: OUP, 2002).
Bix, B. Jurisprudence: Theory and Context (London: Sweet & Maxwell, 2012).
Finnis, J. Natural Law and Natural Rights (Oxford: OUP, 2011).
Fuller, L.L. The Morality of Law (New Haven: Yale, 1969).
Hart, H.L.A. The Concept of Law (Oxford: OUP, 2012).
Simmons, N.E. Central Issues in Jurisprudence (London: Sweet & Maxwell, 2010).


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.