The Concept of Law (Clarendon Law Series)

The Concept of Law is the most important and original work of legal philosophy written this century. First published in 1961, it is considered the masterpiece of H.L.A. Hart's enormous contribution to the study of jurisprudence and legal philosophy. Its elegant language and balanced arguments have sparked wide debate and unprecedented growth in the quantity and quality of scholarship in this area--much of it devoted to attacking or defending Hart's theories. Principal among Hart's critics is renowned lawyer and political philosopher Ronald Dworkin who in the 1970s and 80s mounted a series of challenges to Hart's Concept of Law. It seemed that Hart let these challenges go unanswered until, after his death in 1992, his answer to Dworkin's criticism was discovered among his papers. In this valuable and long-awaited new edition Hart presents an Epilogue in which he answers Dworkin and some of his other most influential critics including Fuller and Finnis. Written with the same clarity and candor for which the first edition is famous, the Epilogue offers a sharper interpretation of Hart's own views, rebuffs the arguments of critics like Dworkin, and powerfully asserts that they have based their criticisms on a faulty understanding of Hart's work. Hart demonstrates that Dworkin's views are in fact strikingly similar to his own. In a final analysis, Hart's response leaves Dworkin's criticisms considerably weakened and his positions largely in question. Containing Hart's final and powerful response to Dworkin in addition to the revised text of the original Concept of Law, this thought-provoking and persuasively argued volume is essential reading for lawyers and philosophers throughout the world. H. L.a. Hart's The Concept Of Law Is Without Question The Most Important Work Of Legal Philosophy Written This Century; No Other Study Has Made Such An Important Contribution To The Study Of Jurisprudence And Legal Philosophy. Since It Was First Published In 1961 Its Elegant Language And Balanced Arguments Have Inspired Generations Of Students To Address The Wider Problems Associated With The Study Of Law. In This Long Awaited New Edition Hart Presents A Postscript In Which He Re-examines The Foundations Of His Philosophy Of Law, With Special Attention To Professor Dworkin's Criticism Of It. With Dispassionate Lucidity He Shows How Much Of The Criticism Stems From Misunderstanding And Confusion Of Thought. The Postscript Provides A Clarification And A Restatement Of The Fundamental Tenets Of His Position. This Thought-provoking New Edition Will Re-open A Wide Range Of Debates And Will Be Welcomed By All Those With An Interest In Legal Philosophy And Jurisprudence.--jacket. Persistent Questions -- Laws, Commands, And Orders -- The Variety Of Laws -- Sovereign And Subject -- Law As The Union Of Primary And Secondary Rules -- The Foundations Of A Legal System -- Formalism And Rule-scepticism -- Justice And Morality -- Laws And Morals -- International Law. By H.l.a. Hart ; With A Postscript Edited By Penelope A. Bulloch And Joseph Raz. Series Statement From Jacket. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. A philosophical look into “What is Law”, and all else that encompasses a legal system. The author also compares his views against other renowned experts. I just started reading it, all I can say so far is that Mr. H.L.A. Hart writes a lot like me, so for all my dear English Professors who corrected my essays and told me that proper writing does not contain run-on sentences please read this worthy book that has been read by college Professors, students and layman for over forty years.