A realistic theory of law

Bibliographic Information

A realistic theory of law

Brian Z. Tamanaha

Cambridge University Press, 2017

  • : pbk
  • : hbk

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Note

Includes bibliographical references and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

This book articulates an empirically grounded theory of law applicable throughout history and across different societies. Unlike natural law theory or analytical jurisprudence, which are narrow, abstract, ahistorical, and detached from society, Tamanaha's theory presents a holistic vision of law within society, evolving in connection with social, cultural, economic, political, ecological, and technological factors. He revives a largely forgotten theoretical perspective on law that runs from Montesquieu through the legal realists to the present. This book explains why the classic question 'what is law?' has never been resolved, and casts doubt on theorists' claims about necessary and universal truths about law. This book develops a theory of law as a social institution with varying forms and functions, tracing law from hunter-gatherer societies to the modern state and beyond. Tamanaha's theory accounts for social influences on law, legal influences on society, law and domination, multifunctional governmental uses of law, legal pluralism, international law, and other legal aspects largely overlooked in jurisprudence.

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • 1. The third branch of jurisprudence
  • 2. What is law?
  • 3. Necessary and universal truths about law?
  • 4. A genealogical view of law
  • 5. Law in the age of organizations
  • 6. What is international law?
  • Conclusion: a realistic theory of law.

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Details

  • NCID
    BB2407769X
  • ISBN
    • 9781316638514
    • 9781107188426
  • LCCN
    2016590680
  • Country Code
    uk
  • Title Language Code
    eng
  • Text Language Code
    eng
  • Place of Publication
    Cambridge
  • Pages/Volumes
    viii, 202 p.
  • Size
    23 cm
  • Classification
  • Subject Headings
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