Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2015 - 2016
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Description The aims of this module are: (a) to enable students to understand some of the theories that underpin western legal philosophy, particularly positivism and natural law; (b) to facilitate students in developing an appreciation of how these theories relate to each other; (c) to enable students to indicate how such theories affect choices, particularly with regard to identifying how judges and legislators regard some principles as of higher importance than others. (d) to introduce students to the study of theories of justice, including liberalism and feminism, and to understand how these relate to law; (e) to appreciate the theoretical dimensions of the act of interpretation in law | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. explain and describe some of the principal theories underpinning western legal philosophy; 2. indicate the shortcomings and strengths of each such theory, and to identify how these relate to each other in the broader history of thought; 3. define his or her own preferred intellectual position, and to be able to apply legal theories to legal practice and positive law; | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities - JurisprudencePositivism, classical positivism, Bentham and Austin; modern positivism: H.L.A. Hart; Fuller, - Natural law: classical natural law; naturalist revival; Finnis, Aquinas, Dworkin and interpretation; Rawls's theory of justice; introduction to feminist legal theory | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources 1283, 0, Set texts: Patterson, A Companion to Philosophy of Law and Legal Theory, Oxford, Blackwell, 1999 Kelly, A Sort History of Western Legal Theory, Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1992 Recommended texts: Wacks, Jurisprudence, 2nd edition, London: Blackstone, 1990 Di, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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