Understanding Jurisprudence provides an illuminating and engaging introduction to the central questions of legal theory. It is the perfect starting point for those new to the subject.

Addressing students directly, Professor Raymond Wacks brings legal theory to life through his lucid and entertaining style. The author has crafted a manageable, student focussed guide, balancing concise introductions to the key theorists and core issues such as punishment and rights, without ignoring the subtleties of the subject.

Key features

An extremely readable and interesting account for all law students, offering the ideal support for a legal theory module, as well as providing valuable context for the study of law in general
Written by an experienced academic and author, the text explains complex ideas with clarity, without avoiding the subtleties of the subject
Exposes students to a broad range of key theorists and concepts, along with issues such as punishment and rights which are treated thematically
Features pithy extracts and extensive further reading to introduce and explain the central scholarly works, ideas, and commentaries which shape legal theory, providing the ideal base for further study
End of chapter self-test questions are integrated into the digital versions of the book to help students test their understanding of jurisprudence
Also available as an e-book with multiple-choice questions and other functionality, navigation features, and links that offer extra learning support
New to this edition points:

Expanded discussion of theories of justice, globalization, the challenges to the rule of law following the change in US administration in January 2025, and environmental protection
New section on judicial review developments in Eastern Europe and democracy elsewhere
Analysis of the right to life reconsidered in the light of the US Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v Wade, and the proposed legislation on assisted dying in England and Wales
Consideration of new theories on the subject of animal rights
New discussion on capital punishment
Updated suggested further reading lists and self-test questions
Digital formats and resources

The seventh edition is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats: the e-book and Law Trove offer a mobile experience and convenient access along with self-test questions with instant feedback, guidance and advice on studying jurisprudence, interactive flashcards of key glossary terms, links to useful websites, further reading suggestions, functionality tools, navigation features and links that offer extra learning support.

Subjects:
Jurisprudence

Contents:
1:What's it all about?
2:Natural law and morality
3:Classical legal positivism
4:Modern legal positivism
5:Dworkin and law's moral claims
6:Legal realism
7:Law and social theory
8:Historical and anthropological jurisprudence
9:Theories of justice
10:Rights
11:Why obey the law?
12:Why punish?
13:Critical legal theory
14:Feminist theory