The taught modules offered on the LLM programme vary from year to year. Please check the full list of taught modules list for details of modules running in specific academic years. We make every effort to ensure that every module will be offered, but modules are subject to change and cancellation. You are therefore advised to check this site regularly for further updates throughout the year preceding entry to the LLM programme.
JURISPRUDENCE AND LEGAL THEORY (LAWSG025)
Credit value: 30 credits (12 ECTS) |
Module Convenor:
Prof John Tasioulas
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Other teachers:
Professor Stephen Guest
Professor James Penner
Dr Prince Saprai
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| Intercollegiate teaching: No |
| Teaching Method: 20 x two-hour seminars |
| Who may enrol: LLM students, other UCL Masters students |
Prerequisites:
No module pre-requisites, though previous study of legal philosophy is recommended. |
| Barred module combinations: LAWSG025A |
| Core module for specialism: Jurisprudence and Legal Theory |
| Assessment |
| Practice Assessment: 2.000 word practice essay on the material covered in term 1, to be submitted on the first day of term 2. |
| Assessment method for LLM students: 3,000 word coursework essay (50%) and 2-hour unseen written examination (50%) |
| Module Overview |
Module summary
The first half of the module will cover certain fundamental topics in political and legal philosophy, including: ethical objectivity, utilitarianism, justice, rights, punishment, the authority and nature of law. The second half of the module will cover questions in the philosophical foundations of private law and of public international law. |
Module syllabus
First term:
- Ethical objectivity;
- utilitarianism;
- rights;
- justice;
- equality;
- punishment;
- authority;
- legal positivism;
- law as integrity.
Second term:
Philosophical foundations of the following areas of law:
- Private law (contracts, tort, and property)
- Public international law (legitimacy, sovereignty, self-determination, human rights, international criminal law)
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Recommended materials
- HLA Hart, The Concept of Law 2nd. ed. (OUP);
- RM Dworkin, Law’s Empire (Harvard)
- JM Finnis, Natural Law and Natural Rights 2nd ed. (OUP)
- S Besson and J Tasioulas (eds.), The Philosophy of International Law (OUP).
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Preliminary reading
- HLA Hart, The Concept of Law 2nd. ed. (OUP);
- RM Dworkin, Law’s Empire (Harvard)
- JM Finnis, Natural Law and Natural Rights 2nd ed. (OUP)
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| Other information: N/A |
| Prizes for this module: There are currently no prizes available for this module. |
