Description
Book SynopsisThis 2004 book explores the history, politics, and theory surrounding the rule of law ideal. It examines the rule of law on a global level, and concludes by answering the question of whether the rule of law is a universal human good.
Trade Review'Terrific. Brian Tamanaha has written a book that should educate not only every student and layperson who reads it, but also scholars who wrongly think there is nothing new to say about 'the rule of law' … I hope it gets the wide readership it deserves.' Sanford Levinson, University of Texas Law School and author of Wresting with Diversity
'The rule of law seems increasingly important and desirable. But the question remains: what is it? In his short book On The Rule Of Law, Brain Tamanaha seeks to answer this basic question, and he succeeds. This is a valuable work that fills the need for a clearly articulated introduction to this now widely praised, but often poorly understood, political ideal. … For anyone seeking to evaluate the multitude of public statements or academic works that promote, critique, or disparage the rule of law, this book is an excellent point of departure for that evaluation.' Law and Politics Review
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments; Introduction; 1. Classical origins; 2. Medieval roots; 3. Liberalism; 4. Locke, Montesquieu, the Federalist papers; 5. Consrvatives warn; 6. Rradical left encourages decline; 7. Formal theories; 8. Substantive theories; 9. Three themes; 10. International level; 11. A universal human good?
