Description
Book SynopsisThis book develops a general, philosophical theory about the nature of law and its relationship with morality. Its central theoretical question is whether, in determining the extent of our legal rights and obligations, judges must appeal to moral principles and values. The author argues that they often do, and develops a philosophical theory which accomodates this fact.
Trade Reviewmuch of Waluchow's book ably defends inclusive positivism ... Anyone wishing to see a well-argued defense of a legal theory that attempts to take legal phenomena at face value would do well to read Waluchow's book. * William H Wilcox, The Philosophical Review Vol 106 no1 (January 1997) *
`The book is dense with argumentation ... Its richness may be a result of the fact that many of the chapters resulted from academic articles which hold their own as independent scholarly contributions but, the care with which many of the arguments have been crafted and systemized in the present work cannot be taken for granted ... Professor Waluchow has produced an insightful work which, I hope, would find space in our over-populated jurisprudence courses.' Legal Studies
There are many insights and a very useful re-run of arguments about the nature of law, so unfashionable at present ... Waluchow's book is rich with ideas and examples and the general tenor is one of rigour ... it is an intelligent, rich and constructive contribution to the long-running debate about the place of moral judgement in law. * Cambridge Law Journal *
'Waluchow writes clearly and succinctly throughout...this is a very impressive book, lucidly written with assiduous regard to the complexities of opponents' arguments. As well as pointing out the fallacies in much modern legal theory, Waluchow offers many fresh insights into theories with which we thought we were familiar. This book is a significant addition to the ongoing debate between positivists and natural lawyers.' * Mind *
