Basic Concepts of Legal Thought - Softcover

Fletcher, George P.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195083369 ISBN 13: 9780195083361

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1996

Synopsis

In this one-of-a-kind text, George P. Fletcher, a renowned legal theorist, offers a provocative yet accessible overview of the basics of legal thought. The first section of the book is designed to introduce the reader to fundamental concepts such as the rule of law and deciding cases under the law. It continues with an analysis of the values of justice, desert, consent, and equality, as they figure into our judgment of legal cultures in terms of soundness and legitimacy. The final chapters address the problems of morality and consistency in the law. In each case the author not only introduces the basic ideas but considers important arguments in the contemporary literature and raises original claims of his own. Ideally suited for courses in the philosophy of law, legal issues, and jurisprudence, Basic Concepts of Legal Thought fills a void in the literature, as there is no other volume that both eases law students into the mysteries of legal philosophy and provides an introduction to the legal mind for non-lawyers.

About this title

About the Author

George P. Fletcher is at Columbia University.

From the Back Cover

In contemporary American society, law has nearly achieved the status of civil religion. Legal issues pervade many aspects of daily life; the media report aggressively on trials, pending legislation, and new decisions by the courts. Legally trained executives now run major motion picture studios, corporations, and universities. They speak to each other in the language of jurisprudence. Understanding the law today is an important aspect of literacy in American culture.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195083369
• ISBN 13: 9780195083361
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224