LAW216   Legal and Political Theory   (20 credits)

Description

What does justice require? What is the relationship between justice, equality, freedom, rights and wellbeing? For what purposes can the state exercise coercive power over us? What sort of thing is law? What is the relationship between law and morality? How should judges decide hard cases? Is judicial discretion compatible with the rule of law? Is there a moral obligation to obey the law? These are some of the questions addressed in legal and political theory. This module provides an opportunity to question some basic assumptions about law, to think philosophically about law and the state, and to develop you skills in analysis and philosophical argument.

Reading List