PHIL2203 - 01 - Philosophy of Law

(ER) Ethical Reasoning (SJ) Social Justice

This course begins with a general introduction to the central concepts found within the philosophy of law. Particular attention is given to the nature of the law and issues which arise within jurisprudence (i.e. 'the science of the law'). Next, more particular topics (e.g. the nature of judicial decision making, various justifications for civil disobedience, competing theories of punishment, and the limits of free speech) will be discussed and debated at length. The central thread of the course is an inquiry into the presumed relationship that exists between ethics and the law.