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Semester-I
Compulsory Paper

(Paper 1)

Credits: 4

Introduction to Legal Theory

Objectives:
Thecourse aims at developingand insight into thejuristicfoundations of a legalsystem
an understandingof the lawas it exists and functions in society.Further,this coursegives
a clear understanding about the nuances of law and its nature and function. It gives a
clear understanding about the impact of law on various other branches and its
functioningand its relationship to ethics and justice.
Introduction
Meaningand concept ofJurisprudence
Relevanceof Jurisprudencein the contemporaryera
Meaningand definition of Law
Lawand Morals,Value of Judgments
II
Relevance ofNaturalLaw:theoretical Perceptions
(a) The Origin and Significanceof NaturalLaw
(b) Theoretical Perceptiveof NaturalLaw
(C ) ST Thomas Acquainas;Grotius;Hobbes;Locke;Rosseau
(D) German Transcendental IdealismImmanuel Kant
(E) Revivalof Natural LawStammler;Fuller;John.Finnis
(F) Semisociological NaturalLawH.L.A.Hart
(G) Libertyand Civildisobedience
III. Legal positivism:
(a) Austins analytical theory of Law.
(b) PureTheory of LawHans Kelson
IV. PostModernTheories
(a) Harts concept of Law
(b) Rawls theory of Justice
(c) Amartya Sens theory of Justice
V
Sociological Jurisprudence :
a) Prof.PoundSocial EngineeringTheory.
b) Prof.Patterson.
c) Prof.Selznick.
VI
Americanlegal Realism:
a) JeromeFrank.
b) KarlLewellyn.
c) Indian Judicialprocess &relevancetoAmerican legal realism.
Suggested Readings:
1.
2.
3.
4.

W. Friedmann Legal Theory

Julius Stone Social Dimension of Law & Justice.
C. K. Allen Law In the Making.
Lloyd Introduction to Jurisprudence.