The Structure of Liberty: Justice and the Rule of Law - Softcover

Barnett, Randy E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0198297297 ISBN 13: 9780198297291

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2000

Synopsis

"Already the book is on its way to becoming a contemporary classic, the successor in interest to Robert Nozick's Anarchy, State and Utopia . . ."--Michigan Law Review

"This is a serious, engaging, and important work of jurisprudence . . . Comprehensive in its treatment, fair-minded in the way it deals with evidence and unfailingly rigorous in its argument."--Choice

What is liberty, as opposed to license, and why is it so important? Drawing upon insights from philosophy, economics, political theory, and law, Randy Barnett examines the serious social problems that are addressed by liberty--and the background or "natural" rights and "rule of law" procedures that distinguish liberty from license. He then skillfully outlines the constitutional framework that is needed to protect this structure of liberty. Although this controversial work is intended to challenge specialists, its clear and accessible prose ensure that it will be of immense value to those working in a range of disciplines.

About this title

About the Author:

Randy E. Barnett is Austin B. Fletcher Professor at the Boston University School of Law, and the author of numerous books on legal theory.

Review:

"...an ambitious book....it is written with an unusual clarity of expression...the argument is carefully articulated so as to lay bare the bones of the ideas and expose them to careful scrutiny. Barnett has written a readable book that nonetheless will repay careful study....a rich and provocative set of arguments."--Michigan Law Review

"The Structure of Liberty is a very well written book of political and legal philosophy, drawing on Barnett's considerable analytical and rhetorical skills. It is an instant classic."--James Lindgren, Northwestern University School of Law

"The Structure of Liberty is that rare creature, a book that delivers on most of the promises it makes. Already the book is on its way to becoming a contemporary classic, the successor in interest to Robert Nozick's Anarchy, State and Utopia as a source of ideas and arguments for the revitalization of an important intellectual tradition that has long stood at the periphery of legal and political theory."--Michigan Law Review

"His interest in basic theory as it relates to the uses and abuses of political power makes his views on a wide range of state policy issues, from taxation to criminal law, worthy of careful attention."--Reason

"This is a serious, engaging, and important work of jurisprudence and political philosophy....Comprehensive in its treatment, fair-minded in the way it deals with evidence and unfailingly rigorous in its argument."--Choice

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0198297297
• ISBN 13: 9780198297291
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 368