000			01659nam a2200205Ia 4500
999			_c161656 _d161656
005			20220722213630.0
008			200208s9999 xx 000 0 und d
020			_a421248203
082			_a340.1 FIN 3rd ed.
100			_a"Finch, John"
245		0	_aIntroduction to legal theory
250			_a3rd ed.
260			_aLondon
260			_bWeet & Maxwell
260			_c1979
300			_a228 P.
520			_aA stimulating and rewarding variant upon standard degree topics, jurisprudence yet intimidates many students. The primary purpose of this book is to demystify the subject by presenting a comprehensive, but comprehensible, introduction which does not presuppose knowledge of law, political theory or philosophy. This third edition sees the text rounded off by extension of several sections and addition of further reading lists after chapters. Lengthier analysis of the Hart-Dworkin controversy surrounding rules and principles is a notable feature of the present work, which con tains, too, a more detailed treatment of legal positivism. Other major thinkers examined and compared include Bentham, Austin, Kelsen, Olivecrona and Ross. There are important sections on the relationship between law, force and authority, and the central position of courts. The concluding chapteron Soviet legal theory has been strengthened. Originally written mainly with newcomers to the subjectinmind, Finch has proved of continuing value to students of a complex subject. Anextended version will find an appreciative audience amongst those engaged on jurisprudence, political theory and philosophy courses.
650			_aLaw
942			_cDB _2ddc