Module Details

Module Code: LAWS C3412
Module Title: Jurisprudence 1
Title: Jurisprudence 1
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Eileen Doyle
Module Author:: John Tully
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to provide students an understanding of the philosophical foundations and theories of law; the nature of jurisprudence and its terminology; the major theories of jurisprudential thought, for example natural law, utilitarianism and positivism, examined through the writings of major authors in the field; the nature and role of law within society; concepts of justice and morality and the social contract, and the philosophical basis of various common law principles. Students will also be introduced to, and encouraged to reflect upon, questions of what makes for a valid system of binding laws, and the distinction between a just and an unjust legal system.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Define and explain the nature of jurisprudence
LO2 Demonstrate an understanding of the historical relationship between the key jurists and schools covered within the syllabus
LO3 Critically examine and compare the work of such key jurists and schools
LO4 Explain the strengths and weaknesses of the work of key jurists and schools
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
The nature of jurisprudence
Definition relevance; the philosophy of law; legal theory; the intersection between the philosophy of law and legal theory; the substantive context of jurisprudence
Classical natural law
Naturalist theories; classical Greco-Roman natural law; the teleological analysis of Aristotle; the Judaeo-Christian dimension (Augustine and Aquinas); Christian Platonism (St Augustine); Christian Aristotelianism.
Positivism
Classical legal positivism: Bentham, Austin, Kelsen; Bentham's concept of jurisprudence; the command theory of law; sanctions; Kelsen's pure theory of law; public international law and pure theory.
Hart's Theory of Law
Hart's critique of the command theory; moral analysis of positive law; rules; obligation; primary and secondary rules; the rule of recognition; legal systems and officials; public international law in Hart's theory.
The natural law revival – Fuller and Finnis
Fuller's procedural natural law; Finnis: the theory of natural rights; the moral nature of law; the continuing role of naturalist jurisprudence.
Theories of Justice
Rawls: liberal distributive theory of justice; Nozick: just entitlements; justice, individuals, and society.
Analytical Philosophy of Law
Dworkin's philosophy of law; Raz's philosophy of law; Dworkin and Raz on rules and principles; Dworkin's theory of law: the rights thesis, the right answer thesis, and law as integrity; Raz and the authority of law.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
End of Module Formal Examination100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

No Continuous Assessment
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 100
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
n/a

Part Time

No Continuous Assessment
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 100
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
n/a
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Estimated Learner Hours Non Contact Independent Learning Every Week 6.00 6
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 1.50 1.5
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.50
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Raymond Wacks. Understanding Jurisprudence An Introduction to Legal Theory, Oxford.
  • Penner & Melissaris. McCoubrey & White's Textbook on Jurisprudence, Oxford University Press.
  • MDA Freeman. Lloyd’s Introduction to Jurisprudence, 8th ed, Sweet & Maxwell.
  • J. G. Riddall. Jurisprudence, OUP, UK.
  • Barron et al. Jurisprudence & Legal Theory, Commentary and Materials, OUP.
  • Dennis Lloyd of Hampstead,Michael D. A. Freeman. Lloyd's Introduction to Jurisprudence.
  • JE Penner. McCoubrey & White’s Textbook on Jurisprudence.
  • Raymond Wacks. (2015), Understanding Jurisprudence, 4. 15, OUP, UK, [ISBN: 9780198723868].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Tim Murphy. Western Jurisprudence, Round Hall.
  • Raymond Wacks. (2009), Understanding Jurisprudence: An Introduction to Legal Theory, OUP Oxford; 2 edition.
  • J. M. Kelly. (1992), A Short History of Western Legal Theory, Clarendon Press.
  • John Finnis. (2011), Natural Law and Natural Rights, OUP Oxford; 2 edition.
  • Ronald Dworkin. (1998), Law's Empire, Hart Publishing.
  • H. L. A Hart. (1997), The Concept of Law, Clarendon Press.
  • A. Mitchell Polinsky. (2003), An Introduction to Law and Economics, Third edition, Aspen Publishers.
  • A. Mitchell Polinsky and Steven Shavell, eds. (2007), Handbook of Law and Economics, Elsevier Science Publishing.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Lexis Nexis Legal.
  • JSTOR: Online academic content - http://0-www.jstor.org.www.library.itcar low.ie/.
Other Resources
  • Online Library of Liberty:. http://oll.libertyfund.org/index.php?opt ion=com_frontpage&Itemid=149.
  • Online Library of Economics and Liberty:. www.econlib.org.
Discussion Note: