Overview

Examines key issues in jurisprudence and legal philosophy such as legal positivism and natural law, the relationship of law and morals, the nature of the rule of law, power and authority, drafting legislation and legislative interpretation, theories of justice (such as utilitarianism, justice as fairness, egalitarianism, and libertarianism), theories of rights (including human rights) and the nature of the good life. Students will examine selected legal philosophies with reference to key current concerns such as the relationship between different branches of the State, and domestic and international political, economic and social issues.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate and apply knowledge of selected jurisprudential theories and the works of key legal and political philosophers to actual or hypothetical scenarios.

• Demonstrate clear and accurate knowledge of the works of key legal and political philosophers both ancient and modern.

• Develop clear, succinct, well-reasoned and flowing written arguments in plain English or Welsh.

• Identify and critically evaluate the core components of selected jurisprudential theories and the works of key legal and political philosophers.

• Relate relevant jurisprudential theories and the works of key legal and political philosophers to selected legal issues such as the relationship between law and morality, the rule of law, the nature of justice and the concept of the good life, and reach clearly expressed critical conclusions.

• Relate relevant jurisprudential theories to contemporary legal and political issues, demonstrating an awareness of the place of legal and moral philosophy in the broader political, social and cultural context and reach critical conclusions.