Law, Jurisp & Social Thought 204 - Philosophy of Law

(Offered as PHIL-224 and LJST-211) Law shapes every corner of our lives. Law defines our rights against the state as well as our obligations to it. Law makes us into citizens, criminals, owners, spouses, and more. But what justifies law’s enormous power over us, and what is law, really? This course, an introduction to legal philosophy, explores the nature of law’s authority and in particular, law’s relationship to morality. Our questions will include: Are laws best understood as social conventions or as moral truths? When, if ever, is criminal punishment justified? Why do some of our laws tolerate behavior that seems immoral—such as breaking one’s contracts, refusing aid to those in distress, and taking what belongs to another? Readings will include legal philosophy as well as influential cases in constitutional law, property, torts, and contracts.

Limited to 25 students. Spring semester. Professor Hasan. 

How to handle overenrollment: Priority to philosophy and LJST majors, then by seniority

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Emphasis on written work, readings, oral presentations, and class discussion.