Philosophy of Law - PHI00103H

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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.

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	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.

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	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).