7858. Contemporary Legal Theory/Philosophy

This course is a one term version of Contemporary Legal Theory I and II and is an introduction to the philosophy of law. It will examine contemporary analyses of the nature of law and of the resources for judicial decision-making. In considering the role of judges, the relation of law and morality and theories of textual interpretation will be discussed. In the latter part of the course critical theories of law, including critical legal studies, feminism, critical race theory and legal pragmatism will be examined.