Skip to main content
NounStudy
Back to Course Catalog
PHL462Arts3 Unitsintermediate

PHILOSOPHY OF LAW

This course examines basic issues in the philosophy of law, such as the concept and nature of law, sources of law, and theories of law, including naturalist and positivist perspectives. It explores the idea of natural justice, the logic of legal reasoning, legal responsibility, legal rights and obligations, and judicial precedence. The course also includes a philosophical investigation of punishment and justice in law, providing a comprehensive overview of key themes in legal philosophy.

Generate AI Study Notes

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

416h
Study Time
13
Weeks
32h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Philosophy of LawLegal TheoriesLegal ReasoningJusticePolitical Obligation

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Nature of Law

2

Theories of Law

3

Legal Reasoning

4

Legal Responsibility

5

Punishment

6

Rights and Justice

7

Judicial Precedent

8

Political Obligation

9

Law and Morality

Total Topics9 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Legal Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Paralegal

Apply your skills in this growing field

Legal Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Law Enforcement

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

LawGovernmentPolicy MakingJudiciaryCivil Service

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module One: Philosophy of Law in Perspective

3h

Unit 1: Nature and Meaning of Law

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understand the nature and meaning of law.
  • •Explore the origin of law and its connection to society.
  • •Reflect on the differences between law and religion.
Week
2

Module One: Philosophy of Law in Perspective

3h

Unit 2: Feature and Characteristics of Law

3 study hours
  • •Study Unit 2: Identify the features and characteristics of law.
  • •Understand law's emanation from a sovereign authority.
  • •Examine the constitutional coercive powers behind laws.
Week
3

Module One: Philosophy of Law in Perspective

3h

Unit 3: The importance of the Law

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Explore the roles of law in society.
  • •Understand how law defends individuals from evil.
  • •Analyze law's role in promoting common interests and resolving disputes.
Week
4

Module One: Philosophy of Law in Perspective

3h

Unit 4: Understanding the Philosophy of Law

3 study hours
  • •Study Unit 4: Grasp the philosophy of law.
  • •Understand philosophers' perspectives on law.
  • •Reflect on the relationship between philosophy and law.
Week
5

Module Two: Theories of Law

3h

Unit 1: Natural Law

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understand the tenets of legal naturalism.
  • •Explore the foundations of legal validity and obedience.
  • •Analyze the relationship between law and morals.
Week
6

Module Two: Theories of Law

3h

Unit 2: Legal Positivism

3 study hours
  • •Study Unit 2: Define legal positivism.
  • •Understand the inseparability thesis.
  • •Analyze J.L. Austin's theory of law.
Week
7

Module Two: Theories of Law

3h

Unit 3: Legal Realism

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Define legal realism.
  • •Outline the basic assumptions of legal realism.
  • •Compare American and Scandinavian legal realism.
Week
8

Module Two: Theories of Law

3h

Unit 4: Sociological Jurisprudence

3 study hours
  • •Study Unit 4: Analyze sociological jurisprudence.
  • •Discuss the assumptions of sociological jurisprudence.
  • •Articulate the main idea of sociological jurisprudence.
Week
9

Module Three: Legal Reasoning and Legal Responsibility

6h

Unit 1: Philosophical Perspectives of Reason in Human Affairs

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Articulate the role of reason in human affairs.
  • •Identify the position of the proponent that denial the role of reason in human affairs.

Unit 2: Legal Reasoning in Judicial Process

3 study hours
  • •Study Unit 2: Attempt a conceptualisation of legal reasoning.
Week
10

Module Three: Legal Reasoning and Legal Responsibility

6h

Unit 3: Theories of Legal Reasoning

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Identify the core of legal formalism.
  • •Explain the legal realism within judicial process.

Unit 4: Between Scientific Reasoning and Legal Reasoning

3 study hours
  • •Study Unit 4: Identify the nexus between legal and scientific reasoning.
Week
11

Module Three: Legal Reasoning and Legal Responsibility

3h

Unit 5: Legal Responsibility and Legal Reasoning

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Conceptualize the idea of legal responsibility.
  • •Identify the possibility of logicality of legal reasoning.
Week
12

Module Four: Punishment and Responsibility

6h

Unit 1: What is Punishment?

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Define punishment.
  • •Articulate the basic rationales that midwifed and justify the concept of punishment.
  • •Know the various functions of punishment.

Unit 2: Forms of Punishment

3 study hours
  • •Study Unit 2: Identify and discuss the various forms of punishment.
Week
13

Module Four: Punishment and Responsibility

3h

Unit 3: Theories of Punishment

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Identify the various theories of punishment.
  • •Know the respective salient ideas that underpin the various theories of punishment.
  • •Meaningful review the theories of punishment studies in this module.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed outlines for each module, focusing on key concepts and theories.

2

Develop flashcards for legal terms and definitions to aid memorization.

3

Practice applying legal theories to hypothetical case scenarios.

4

Review and summarize all tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and feedback.

5

Allocate specific study time for each module based on its complexity and weight in the final examination.

6

Form study groups to discuss and debate complex legal concepts and theories.

7

Focus on understanding the core principles of each legal theory rather than rote memorization.

8

Create concept maps linking different modules and units to see the interconnectedness of the course material.

9

Practice answering essay questions under timed conditions to improve exam performance.

10

Review past exam papers to identify common question types and topics.

Related Courses

Other courses in Arts that complement your learning

PHL431

Further Logic

3 Units
FRE482

20th Century French Literature

2 Units
PHL432

Appied Ethics

3 Units
View All Arts Courses