Jurispreudence 1 Notes
Jurispreudence 1 Notes
Jurispreudence 1 Notes
John locke state of nature, is blissful. The reason for this is the glorious
revolution 1688.
Intro of consti monarch
World constti was magna cata and bill of rights( it defined the power of
ruler, power right of parliament, power and right of ppl)
2 tries of government 1690. ( mentioned in LV Curzon)
Pactum uniois: social contract is to protect inalienable rights. Forming
society
Pactum subjectionis : appointing government. Giving our powers to the
government to protect our rights and life.
Here we surrender rights, but only giving of rights.
He believed ppl should be non violent.
Locke's theory of government is based on the idea that individuals form a social
contract with one another, where they agree to give up some of their individual
freedoms in exchange for the protection of their natural rights by the government.
However, Locke also believed that individuals have the right to rebel against the
government if it fails to protect their natural rights.
Furthermore, Locke believed that property was a natural right, and that individuals
have the right to acquire and possess property through their own labor. He believed
that individuals could acquire property through homesteading, which involved
mixing their labor with unowned resources to make them their own.
State of nature: Locke begins with the idea of a "state of nature" in which
individuals exist without government. In this state, individuals have natural
rights to life, liberty, and property. However, because there is no higher
authority to enforce these rights, conflicts may arise and lead to a state of war.
Social contract: To avoid the state of war and protect their rights, individuals
enter into a social contract with a government. According to Locke, this
contract is formed by the consent of the governed.
Limited government: Locke believed that the purpose of government was to
protect the natural rights of individuals. Therefore, the power of government
should be limited and subject to the consent of the governed.
Right to revolution: Locke argued that if a government fails to protect the
natural rights of individuals or becomes tyrannical, the people have a right to
overthrow that government and establish a new one.
Private property: Locke saw private property as a natural right that existed in
the state of nature. He believed that individuals have the right to acquire and
possess property, and that government should protect this right.
Pactum uniois
Locke's theory of the social contract is based on the idea of the "pactum
unionis," or the "agreement of union." This refers to the agreement that
individuals make with one another to come together as a society and establish
a government that will protect their rights.
Locke believed that the government should be limited in its power and that it
should only exist to serve the people. He argued that if a government
overstepped its bounds and violated the natural rights of its citizens, the
people had the right to overthrow that government and establish a new one.
Locke's idea of social contract is based on the concept of "Pactum Unionis" or
"Agreement of Union." According to Locke, individuals in the state of nature
are free and equal, and they can do as they please. However, this freedom is
not absolute, as they must follow the laws of nature, which are based on
reason and common sense.
Locke believes that individuals enter into the social contract voluntarily, and
the purpose of the social contract is to protect their natural rights. In this
contract, individuals give up some of their freedom to a government in
exchange for protection of their rights. The government is created by the
people and is accountable to the people.
Locke's theory of social contract influenced the American Revolution and the
drafting of the US Constitution. The idea that government derives its authority
from the consent of the governed is a cornerstone of modern democracy. The
concept of natural rights, which includes the right to life, liberty, and property,
is also an important part of modern legal theory.
Pactum subjectionis
One key aspect of Locke's social contract theory is the idea of the "Pactum
subjectionis," or the "voluntary submission" of individuals to the authority of
the government. According to Locke, individuals enter into this agreement
willingly and freely in order to secure their rights and ensure that their
property is protected.
Locke believed that the social contract creates a legitimate government, and
that individuals have a duty to obey the laws and regulations that are created
by that government. However, he also believed that individuals have the right
to resist a government that violates their natural rights, and that they can
withdraw their consent to be governed if the government fails to protect
those rights.
The contract btw no arbitrary power
Locke argues that the purpose of government is to protect the natural rights of
individuals, which include the right to life, liberty, and property. He believes that
these rights are not granted by the government, but rather are inherent in every
individual.
According to Locke, the government is created by the people for the people, and
therefore the government should only have the power that the people have given it.
He believes that there should be no arbitrary power, and that the government should
be limited by a constitution that outlines its powers and responsibilities.
Furthermore, Locke argues that if the government fails to protect the natural rights
of its citizens, the people have the right to overthrow the government and establish a
new one that will better protect their rights.
The labour of his body and the work of his hands are properly his
One of his key beliefs was that a person's labor and the work of their hands are their
own property. In other words, if someone works to create or produce something,
they have a natural right to claim ownership of that thing.
This idea is significant because it lays the foundation for many modern property
rights and legal systems. Locke believed that individuals have a right to accumulate
and own property as long as they acquire it through their own labor and effort.
Locke's theory of property also suggests that the state has a duty to protect an
individual's right to their property. This means that the government should have laws
and systems in place to ensure that people can keep and use their property without
interference from others.
Overall, Locke's ideas about property and labor have had a significant impact on
modern legal theory and continue to influence debates about property rights,
economic policy, and individual liberty.
Rousseau
Rousseau was an 18th-century philosopher and writer who made significant
contributions to political philosophy and social theory. Rousseau was critical of the
idea of a social contract that gave all power to the state, as he believed it
would lead to the oppression of individual freedom.
In his famous work "The Social Contract," Rousseau argued that society should
be governed by the general will of the people, rather than the interests of
individuals or groups.
Rousseau believed that humans were naturally good, but that society
corrupted them by promoting inequality, competition, and materialism.
He was a strong advocate for education, believing that it was the key to
creating a just and equal society.
Rousseau's concept of the "noble savage" suggested that humans were
happier and more fulfilled in a state of nature, before the advent of civilization
and the development of social hierarchies.
He was also critical of private property and the accumulation of wealth, as he
believed it led to inequality and social conflict.
His state of nature : In the state of nature, human beings were free and equal,
and their basic needs were satisfied through hunting, gathering, and natural
resources. There was no private property or social hierarchy in this state.
However, life in the state of nature was also characterized by insecurity and
conflict. As there was no centralized authority to enforce laws and settle
disputes, people were constantly in a state of war with each other.
According to Rousseau, the formation of society and political institutions was
a result of a social contract in which individuals agreed to surrender their
individual freedom and submit to the authority of the state in exchange for
protection and security.
Rousseau believed that the social contract should be based on the general will
of the people, which represents the common good rather than the interests of
a particular individual or group.
Rousseau's concept of the state of nature was used to critique existing
political systems and advocate for a more egalitarian and democratic society
based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
General Will: Rousseau believed that the collective will of the people, or the
"General Will," was the true source of political authority. This meant that the
individual's will must be subordinated to the common good.
Social Contract: Rousseau's famous concept of the "Social Contract" held that
individuals give up some of their natural rights to a governing authority in
exchange for protection and security. He argued that this contract must be
freely entered into by all members of society.
Equality: Rousseau believed in the natural equality of all human beings, and
saw the inequalities of society as the result of social institutions rather than
inherent differences in people.
Freedom: Rousseau believed in individual freedom, but saw it as limited by the
needs of the community as a whole.
Education: Rousseau believed that education was the key to creating a just
and harmonious society. He advocated for a form of education that would
focus on developing the individual's natural abilities and fostering a sense of
community and social responsibility.
Individual is everywhere in chain : live and then u will be free from the chains of greed:
Rousseau rejected the traditional view of the social contract, which held that
individuals give up some of their natural rights in exchange for protection and
security provided by the state. Instead, he argued that the social contract
should be based on the general will of the people, which represents the
collective good of society as a whole.
According to Rousseau, the individual's relationship with society is not a
matter of choice, but rather an inevitable consequence of being born into a
social world. He believed that society imposes certain obligations on
individuals, such as following the laws and contributing to the common good.
Rousseau also emphasized the importance of the individual's relationship with
nature. He believed that humans are naturally good but that society has
corrupted them with greed. Therefore, he argued that individuals should
return to a more natural state, where they can live in harmony with the natural
world.
In Rousseau's view, the individual is not a static entity, but rather a dynamic
being that is shaped by their environment. He believed that individuals have
the capacity to develop and improve themselves, but that they need the right
conditions to do so. Therefore, he called for a society that promotes individual
freedom and self-realization.
Overall, Rousseau's perspective on the individual's place in the chain of
relationships reflects his belief in the importance of community and the
natural world. He saw the individual as a crucial component of society, but
also recognized the need for individuals to be free to pursue their own
development and happiness.
Civilisation is responsible for this state of affairs : when u think too much u cause violence.
According to Rousseau, civilization is responsible for the state of affairs where
overthinking leads to violence. This idea suggests that as human beings have
progressed and become more civilized, they have lost touch with their natural state,
which is peaceful and harmonious. The more people think about their desires and
needs, the more they become alienated from each other, leading to conflict and
violence.
Rousseau believed that the development of civilization has created a society where
people are driven by their individual interests rather than the common good. This has
resulted in a state of constant competition and conflict, which has led to the
development of laws and institutions that are designed to regulate and control
human behavior.
However, according to Rousseau, these laws and institutions only serve to perpetuate
the problems they are meant to solve. They are based on a flawed understanding of
human nature and fail to address the underlying causes of violence and conflict.
Instead, Rousseau argued that society needs to return to a more natural state, where
people are guided by their instincts and passions rather than their reason and
intellect.
World wars were started by the west nothing by asia and Africa. Rousseau believed that
wars were often started by the West, while Asia and Africa were not responsible for
such conflicts.
Rousseau's views may have been influenced by his belief that the West was more
focused on individualism and material wealth, while other cultures placed a greater
emphasis on communal values and spiritual fulfillment. Additionally, he may have
been critical of the West's colonialism and imperialism, which often involved the
subjugation of other cultures.
It is important to note that Rousseau lived in the 18th century and did not witness
the World Wars firsthand. While his views may have some validity, there are many
complex factors that contributed to the outbreak of these conflicts, including political
ideologies, economic competition, and the rise of nationalism.
Law is a general will : ppl give their authority the power to make laws.here he refers to the
direct mode of democracy. Eg: Switzerland
Delegation refers to the act of giving someone else the power to act on one's behalf.
Rousseau believes that individuals can delegate power to the government, but only as
long as that power is used for the common good. He argues that the social contract
between the government and the people is based on this delegation of power.
However, Rousseau is also wary of the dangers of delegation. He warns that the
government may become corrupt and use its power for its own benefit rather than for
the benefit of the people. Therefore, he emphasizes the importance of keeping the
government accountable and limiting its power through the use of laws and other
mechanisms.
Surrender, on the other hand, refers to the act of giving up one's own individual
freedoms for the sake of the common good. Rousseau believes that individuals must
surrender some of their freedoms in order to live in a functioning society. However, he
also believes that this surrender must be voluntary and only for the benefit of the
community as a whole.
Rousseau's ideas on delegation and surrender have had a significant impact on political
theory and philosophy, particularly in the areas of democracy and individual rights. His
work continues to be studied and debated by scholars today.
individual is forced to be free: indivisual is free means that the majority indivisual will is
general will. Force is required for the larger intrest. It keep s the majority free. Force is
positive term.
According to Rousseau, individuals are naturally free, but society's norms and
rules impose constraints that limit their freedom. These constraints are
necessary for social order and stability, but they also create a situation where
individuals are "forced to be free."
Rousseau believed that in a state of nature, individuals were free to act as they
pleased, but this also created a situation where the strong preyed upon the
weak. To avoid this, individuals came together to form a social contract, which
created a government to protect them from harm and to enforce rules to
ensure everyone's safety and security.
However, this social contract also imposed constraints on individual freedom.
Sovereign state and government
Rousseau's political theory emphasized the importance of the general will of the
people, the concept of a sovereign state based on a social contract between the
people and the government, and the need for direct democracy in order to ensure
that the state acted in the best interests of all its citizens.
One of Rousseau's key ideas was the concept of a sovereign state, which he
believed should be based on the collective will of the people rather than the
arbitrary rule of a monarch or aristocracy. In Rousseau's view, the sovereign
state was created through a social contract between the people and the
government, in which the people agreed to give up some of their individual
freedoms in exchange for protection and security provided by the state.
Rousseau believed that the government should be subordinate to the general
will of the people, and that laws and regulations should be enacted to
promote the common good rather than the interests of a particular group or
class. He argued that the government should be organized in a way that
allowed all citizens to participate in decision-making, and that the state should
exist solely for the benefit of its citizens.
LEGAL POSITIVISM
What is Positivism?
legal positivism, the validity of a law does not depend on its moral or ethical content,
but rather on whether it has been created and enacted through the proper legal
channels, such as the legislative process or the decisions of a court. Legal positivism
holds that human beings create laws and reflect their social, cultural, and political
values, rather than being based on any objective or universal principles of justice or
morality. Proponents of legal positivism argue that this approach allows for a more
objective and predictable legal system, as judges and legal scholars can focus on
interpreting and applying the law as it is written, rather than trying to discern the
intentions or motivations behind it.
Critics of legal positivism argue that this approach can lead to a rigid and inflexible
legal system, as it prioritizes legal precedent and adherence to established laws over
considerations of justice or morality. They also contend that legal positivism can be
used to justify unjust or oppressive laws, as long as they have been enacted through
the proper legal channels.
Bentham was also a strong advocate for legal reform. He believed that the law should be
simplified and made more accessible to the general public. He also argued for the abolition
of the death penalty and for the establishment of a comprehensive system of public
education.
Doctrine of utilitarianism:
Jeremy Bentham first formulated the doctrine of utilitarianism in the late 18th
century and was later developed by John Stuart Mill. According to utilitarianism, the
moral worth of an action is determined by its ability to produce the greatest amount
of happiness for the greatest number of people. The ultimate goal of utilitarianism is
to maximize happiness and minimize pain or suffering.
The principle of utility is the central concept of utilitarianism. It states that actions
should be evaluated based on their ability to promote the greatest amount of
happiness for the greatest number of people. This principle is often expressed as "the
greatest happiness principle."
Utilitarianism is based on the belief that human beings are rational and capable of
making choices that will lead to their own happiness. It also assumes that people are
capable of making choices that will benefit others as well. Utilitarianism is a
democratic and egalitarian theory that seeks to promote the common good.
According to Bentham, the concept of good or virtue can be defined in terms of utility or
usefulness. Bentham believed that an action or a thing is good or virtuous if it promotes the
greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people.
Bentham argued that the concept of utility should be the basis of all moral and legal
decisions. He believed that the purpose of law and morality was to promote the
greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
Bentham identified two types of pleasures: physical and intellectual. He believed that
intellectual pleasures, such as those derived from reading or learning, were superior
to physical pleasures, such as those derived from food or sex. He also argued that
pleasure and pain were the only two motivators of human behavior.
The quality of an action dependent upon the around of pleasure to be derived from it
Law by metaphor.
Bentham believed that individuals should be free to pursue their own interests, as
long as they do not harm others. He called this the principle of utility, which holds
that actions are morally right if they result in the greatest amount of happiness for
the greatest number of people.
Furthermore, Bentham believed that laws should be clear and predictable, so that
individuals can easily understand and comply with them. This allows for a stable and
orderly society, where everyone knows what is expected of them and what the
consequences of their actions will be.
Bentham's Law can be understood as a system that seeks to maximize the happiness and
well-being of society as a whole, while also respecting the individual freedom of its
members. This metaphor of the panopticon helps to illustrate Bentham's belief in the
importance of constant vigilance and rationality in the application of law.
Imperatives
1. The principle of utility: According to Bentham, the ultimate aim of all human
actions is to achieve happiness or pleasure, and to avoid pain or suffering. He
argued that actions should be evaluated based on their ability to promote the
greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. This principle is also
known as the "greatest happiness principle" or the principle of utility.
2. The principle of legisigns: Bentham believed that laws should be clear, concise,
and understandable to everyone. He developed the concept of "legisigns"
which are symbols that represent laws. He argued that legislatures should use
simple and easy-to-understand language when drafting laws, to ensure that
they can be easily understood and followed by everyone.
3. The principle of sanctions: Bentham believed that laws should be enforced
through sanctions or punishments. He argued that punishments should be
severe enough to deter people from committing crimes, but not so severe
that they would cause unnecessary suffering.
4. The principle of impartiality: Bentham believed that laws should be applied
equally to all people, regardless of their social status or position. He argued
that justice should be blind and impartial, and that the law should not show
favoritism or discrimination towards any particular group.
5. The principle of publicness: Bentham believed that laws should be made for
the benefit of the public, rather than for the benefit of individuals or special
interest groups. He argued that laws should promote the common good and
be based on the needs and interests of society as a whole.
Utilitarian ac Bentham.
The utility is that property in any object where by it tends to produces benefit advantage pleaure
good or happiness to prevent the happening of mischief, pain, evil or unhappiness to the party whos
intrest is considered. It maybe happiness of the community or happiness of the indivsual.
Law for Bentham: Law is an assemblage of signs declarative of a volition(voluntary is free to make
laws) conceived or adopted by the sovereign in a state concerning the conduct to be observed in a
certain case by a certain person or a class of persons who in the case in question are or are supposed
to be subject to his power.
Any person or assemblage of persons to whose will a whole political community are supposed to be
indisposition to pay obedience and that in preference to the will of anyother person.
Hedonistic/felicific calculus
Hedonistic/felicific calculus is a concept in utilitarian philosophy that attempts to quantify
pleasure and pain in order to determine the best course of action to maximize overall happiness
or well-being. In jurisprudence, this concept is applied to legal decision-making, where judges
weigh the potential pleasure or pain that different legal outcomes would cause in order to
determine the most just outcome.
The idea of felicific calculus was developed by philosopher Jeremy Bentham in the late 18th
century. He believed that human actions were ultimately driven by the pursuit of pleasure and
the avoidance of pain, and that the goal of morality and law should be to maximize the overall
happiness of society. To achieve this, he developed a method for measuring pleasure and pain,
which he called the felicific calculus.
The felicific calculus involves assigning values to different types of pleasure and pain based on
their intensity, duration, certainty, and other factors. By using this calculus, judges can weigh the
potential pleasure or pain that would result from different legal outcomes in order to determine
which outcome would produce the most overall happiness.
While the concept of felicific calculus has been influential in the development of utilitarian
philosophy and legal theory, it has also been criticised for its subjective nature and the difficulty
of accurately quantifying pleasure and pain. Nonetheless, it remains an important tool for judges
and policymakers in weighing the potential consequences of different legal decisions.
Legal realism: The realist school is also known as legal realism, and it emphasizes the
role of social context and empirical observation in understanding the law.
Legal realists argue that the law is not just a set of abstract principles, but is also
shaped by the social, economic, and political context in which it operates. They
believe that judges do not always apply the law in a neutral and objective manner,
but are influenced by their own biases and by the social and political pressures of the
time.
Legal realists also argue that the law is constantly evolving and changing, as social
and economic conditions change. Therefore, legal rules and principles cannot be
understood in isolation from their context, and must be analyzed in light of their
social and historical context.
According to Austin, the law is not concerned with morality or justice, but rather with
power and obedience. He believed that the only way to establish a legal system was
through the use of force, and that the law could only be enforced by a sovereign
who had a monopoly on the use of force.
Austin's theory of law and power was based on his understanding of the nature of
human behavior. He believed that humans are motivated by self-interest, and that
the desire to avoid punishment is a powerful incentive for obedience to the law. He
argued that the law should be enforced in a strict and impartial manner, and that the
punishments for breaking the law should be severe enough to deter others from
doing so.
Austin's theory of law and power has been criticized by many legal scholars, who
argue that it fails to take into account the complexities of human behavior and the
role that morality and justice play in the legal system. Nonetheless, his work has been
influential in the development of legal positivism, and his ideas continue to be
debated and discussed by legal scholars today.
Commands
Sovereign
Austin argued that the only source of law is the sovereign, who is a
person or group that has the power to command and enforce
obedience. He believed that the sovereign's commands are the
ultimate source of legal authority and that they must be obeyed,
regardless of their content or morality.
Austin also believed that law consists of a set of rules that prescribe
certain conduct and impose sanctions for noncompliance. These rules
are enforced by the sovereign through a system of courts and
punishments.
According to Austin, the sovereign has three attributes: absolute power,
indivisibility, and inalienability. Absolute power means that the
sovereign's commands are final and cannot be questioned or overruled
by any other authority. Indivisibility means that the sovereign's power
cannot be shared or divided with any other person or group.
Inalienability means that the sovereign cannot give away or transfer its
power to anyone else.
Sanctions
Karl Llewellyn
He defined law as a complex institution. this institution not only has a body of rules based on a large
number of principals but it also uses precedents and ideology its contains many practices,
RXf=d
r= rule
f=facts
d= decision
Security
Subsistence
Equality
Abundance
HLA Hart
HLA Hart was a prominent legal philosopher who is best known for his work, "The
Concept of Law". Hart's jurisprudential theory is a blend of positivism and natural
law. His theories have significantly contributed to the development of legal
philosophy.
1. Separation of Law and Morality: Hart argued that the law and morality are two
separate things, and that the validity of law does not depend on its moral
content. According to Hart, the law is a system of rules that regulate behavior,
and it is possible for a law to be valid even if it is immoral.
2. Rule of Recognition: Hart believed that the rule of recognition is the ultimate
source of validity for the law. This is a social rule that specifies the criteria for
identifying the primary rules of a legal system, such as the constitution and
legislation. Hart maintained that the rule of recognition is not a legal rule, but
a meta-legal rule that establishes the criteria for legal validity.
3. Primary and Secondary Rules: According to Hart, the law consists of two types
of rules: primary rules and secondary rules. Primary rules are the rules that
regulate behavior, such as criminal laws and property laws. Secondary rules
are the rules that regulate the primary rules, such as rules of interpretation
and rules of change.
4. Legal Positivism: Hart's theory is often described as a form of legal positivism,
which holds that the law is a social construct and that its validity is determined
by social facts. Hart argued that the validity of law depends on its acceptance
by the legal community, and that the law can change over time.
Social Rules : social rules are a type of conventional rule that governs behavior in
society. These rules are not laws but are still considered obligatory and carry with
them a sense of social pressure. Hart identified two types of social rules: primary
rules and secondary rules. Hart believed that social rules were an essential aspect of
human society and that they provided a framework for social cooperation and
coordination. He also believed that the legitimacy of legal systems depended on
their adherence to these social rules and that legal systems that failed to follow these
rules could not claim to be legitimate.
Secondary Rules:
Hart also distinguished between primary and secondary rules. Primary rules are the basic
rules of conduct, such as the prohibition on murder or theft. Secondary rules are rules that
specify how primary rules are to be created, changed, or enforced. For example, the rule of
recognition is a secondary rule that specifies how legal rules are to be identified.
The Rule of Recognition: Rules of recognition specify the criteria that must be met
for a rule to be considered a valid law. These criteria might include being passed by a
certain legislative body or being recognized by a certain court. The Rule of
Recognition is not a single rule but a complex set of rules, customs, and practices
that are accepted by the legal community as authoritative in identifying and creating
legal norms. It is the ultimate rule that determines the validity of all other rules in a
legal system. The Rule of Recognition is a social practice that evolves over time and is
subject to change. It is created and maintained by legal officials, such as judges,
lawyers, and legislators, who have the authority to make and interpret legal norms.
The Rule of Recognition is not a moral or ethical principle but a practical rule that
serves the needs of a legal system.
Hart distinguishes between two types of rules in a legal system: primary rules and
secondary rules.
Primary rules are the substantive rules that regulate conduct, such as criminal and
civil laws.
Secondary rules are the rules that provide a framework for the creation, modification,
and enforcement of primary rules. The Rule of Recognition is a secondary rule that
provides the framework for the identification and creation of primary rules.
The minimum content of NL (natural law): it is decided on the basis of facts and cirumanstances
According to Hart, the minimum content of natural law is the requirement that any
legal system must have rules that regulate the use of coercive force by those in
power. In other words, legal systems must have rules that prohibit the use of force
against individuals except in certain circumstances, such as in self-defense or in the
defense of others.
Hart believed that this minimum content of natural law was necessary for any legal
system to be considered legitimate. Without such rules, a legal system would be
arbitrary and unjust, as those in power could use force against individuals without
any justification.
However, Hart did not believe that there were any other moral principles that were
necessary for a legal system to be legitimate. He argued that the content of a legal
system was ultimately determined by the social practices and conventions of a
particular community, rather than by any objective moral principles.
legal and moral systems should be designed to protect and enhance our capacity to live
fulfilling lives, despite our vulnerability. Legal and moral systems should provide healthcare,
social welfare, and other forms of support to help us cope with illness, injury, and death. He
believes that we should consider how our decisions will affect the vulnerable members of
society and take steps to protect their interests. This requires empathy, compassion, and a
willingness to put the needs of others before our own.
Limited alltrusims :
Hart argued that while the existence and content of the law can be
determined by reference to social facts, there are limits to what legal rules can
achieve. Some legal rules may be so morally abhorrent or offensive that they
cannot be considered valid laws, even if they are formally recognized as such.
Hart also introduced the concept of "all-things-considered" judgments, which
he argued were necessary for judges to make in cases where the law is
uncertain or ambiguous. These judgments involve weighing various factors,
including moral considerations, to arrive at a decision that is not only legally
correct but also morally justifiable.
According to Hart, all-things-considered judgments require judges to exercise
discretion and interpret legal rules in light of their underlying moral principles.
This means that judges cannot simply apply the law mechanically but must
engage in a process of interpretation and evaluation to determine what the
law requires in a particular case.
Hart's theory of limited legal positivism has been influential in contemporary
legal philosophy, as it seeks to reconcile the objectivity and predictability of
legal rules with the need for moral considerations in the law.
Mention how sir was interning in the HC of karnatka and then a boy came says he commited the
crime but it wasn’t him and the judge let him off.
Limited resources :
Hart believes that law plays an essential role in managing this competition for resources. Law
is a system of rules and principles that society uses to allocate resources fairly and efficiently.
Without law, resources would be allocated arbitrarily or through violence, which would be
detrimental to social and economic stability. legal rules must be crafted with the
understanding that resources are scarce and that choices must be made about how they are
distributed. For example, laws may establish property rights to ensure that resources are
allocated to those who can use them most efficiently.
THE CHALLENGE OF managing limited resources is that people often have conflicting
interests and goals. This can create tension and conflict within society. Hart suggests that law
can help to mediate these conflicts by providing a neutral framework for resolving disputes.
When disputes arise over the allocation of resources, the legal system can provide a fair and
transparent process for resolving them.
In Hart's view, the legal system must also be flexible enough to adapt to
changes in resource availability and social conditions. As technology advances
and new resources become available, the legal system must evolve to ensure
that these resources are allocated fairly and efficiently. This means that legal
rules must be subject to ongoing review and reform to ensure that they
remain relevant and effective.
Hussinara Khatoon
Art 38 39 39 A
Kelsen rejected the natural law tradition, which holds that law is based on
morality or a higher authority. He argued that law is a human creation and
that there is no necessary connection between law and morality.
Kelsen's theory of law is based on the concept of the "basic norm" or
"Grundnorm," which is the fundamental principle that underlies a legal system.
The basic norm is not itself a legal rule, but rather a presupposition that all
legal rules derive their authority from it.
Kelsen's "pure theory of law" is concerned with the formal structure of legal
systems, rather than their content. He believed that the content of law is
irrelevant to its validity, and that the only important question is whether a
legal rule has been properly created and applied according to the procedures
established by the legal system.
According to Kelsen, the law can only be understood as a hierarchical system
of norms. The basic norm is at the top of the hierarchy, followed by the
constitution, then statutory law, and finally individual cases. Each norm in the
hierarchy is derived from and dependent upon the norm above it.
Unadulterated Law :
According to Kelsen, the law is a pure, abstract, and self-contained system of norms that are
not influenced by any external factors.
▪ The Grundnorm
Historical school:
According to the historical school, the law is not an abstract set of rules that exist
independent of human society. Rather, it is shaped by historical and cultural factors,
including the values, customs, and traditions of a particular society. Therefore, legal
systems must be studied in their historical context to be fully understood and
properly applied.
The historical school also emphasized the importance of a "volksgeist," or the spirit
of the people, in shaping legal systems. This concept holds that the unique
characteristics of a particular people, including their language, culture, and history,
influence the development of their legal system.
FKV Savigny:
Law of national character
According to Savigny, a nation's law is not simply a set of rules that are
created and enforced by the state. Instead, it is an expression of the people's
collective will and reflects their values, customs, and traditions.
The Law of National Character is based on the idea that law evolves over time
as a result of social, cultural, and historical factors. It is not something that can
be created artificially or imposed from the outside.
Savigny believed that the legal system of a nation should be studied in its own
context, without reference to other legal systems. He argued that each legal
system is unique and cannot be fully understood without taking into account
its historical and cultural background.
The Law of National Character has had a significant impact on legal
philosophy and jurisprudence. It has been used to explain the differences
between legal systems and to argue against attempts to create a universal
system of law.
Peoples spirit
Savigny's theory of the Volksgeist, or "spirit of the people," is central to his approach to law. He
believed that the law should be based on the unique historical and cultural traditions of a
particular society, and that it should reflect the shared values and beliefs of the people.
Savigny's approach to law has had a significant impact on legal theory and practice, both in
Germany and around the world. His emphasis on the importance of historical and cultural context
in the development of law has helped to shape the way that legal scholars and practitioners think
about the law.
In summary, FKV Savigny believed that law should reflect the needs of the people and that it
should be based on their historical and cultural traditions. His theory of the Volksgeist has had a
lasting impact on legal theory and practice, emphasizing the importance of context in the
development of law.
Stage of commands:
Stage of customs: they were started a long time ago and they contd it making it a custom.
Stage of codes: no change in this, but everthing is written as writing was just invented. The society
which stops here is called a stanggant state or society.
Stage of leal fictions: we presumen and assume there is such a thing.needed for convince.
Stage of equity : not following the law through justice equality and good conscious.
Stage of legislation:
Prospective society
There are certain customs that are followed by the mandate of religion. There are some reilgous
mandates that people follow. Between these two lie the laws. People do not want to change these
laws.
SOCIOLOGICAL SCHOOL
Roscoc Pund
Law as social engineering : Sociological school is called the right wing of functional school.
American realism is the left wing of the functional school American realism tells that the
intrpreation by the court is the final law. The legislature executor judge and jurist are the
ones who will balance the intrests of the people.
Theory of social interests : law should work on the diff interests. These interests should be
balanced. he legislature executor judge and jurist are the ones who will balance the intrests
of the people. You must know what is a
o rule : which is given to be applied to a particular a situation with a consequence
o principal : a fundamental truth is called on the princiapal. Rules are based on the
pronciapls.
o concept and: ideas we get from different jurist. They look at all types of laws and
come up with a good idea to manage the interests of the people. Jurists aree
important for him. He believes the other three are all influenced by the jurists.
Jurists can shape the thinking of the people and their future.
o Standard : plays an important role in balcing intrest. The standard lays the yardstic
that helps ppl balcne their specific intrests.
What Is an interest ? : defined as an aspiration, expectation, want and demand of individual
or grp.
Classification if interests :
o individual : as individual there are lot of intrests some are
personal freedom of speech and expression, right to prvt defense for safety,
property if a personal intrests.
domestic and : as a family what aspirations you have.
Substance: property for an indivusal. Movable and immovable property.
o public and : this si broader like individual is concering just a sate of india or a family
in a society in india. But public is like the whle national intrests. Like economy, food,
safety
o social: subsect of public intrest. Smaller thn public intrest, concerns a particular
community
Conflict of interests : sec 144 crpc doesn’t balnce the intrest of people. But the mandate of
peaceful protest is good.
Balancing of interests : legislature executor judge and jurist work to manage the intrests of
the individual intrest public intrest and the social intrest. They reconcile their differences for
the work they have to perform the work in such a way that there is less friction and more
efficacy.
Jural Postulates ( recognition of new intrest) : when we see an intrsts that is in conflict with
other intrest then we take away the others intrests. Eg politician.
REALISM
Legal realism is a theory or movement in legal philosophy that emerged in the United States in
the early 20th century. It holds that law is not simply a set of rules that are deduced from abstract
legal principles, but is instead shaped by a variety of social, economic, and political factors. Legal
realists argue that judges and other legal decision-makers cannot make purely objective
decisions, but are influenced by their own values and experiences, as well as by the social and
political context in which they operate.
Legal realism emphasizes the importance of understanding the practical effects of legal decisions
on society, rather than focusing solely on abstract legal principles or rules. Legal realists also
believe that law should be viewed as a dynamic and evolving system, shaped by changing social
and economic conditions and subject to constant reinterpretation.
Legal realism has been influential in many areas of legal scholarship, including constitutional law,
contract law, and tort law. However, it has also been criticized by some who argue that it
undermines the authority and predictability of the legal system.
• According to Friedman:
• “Realist school prefers to evaluate any part of the law in terms of its effects.”
• “Realism is the accurate recording of things as they are, as contrasted with things as
they are imagined to be or wished to be or as one feels they ought to be.”
Characteristics
• Law is a means to meet social relations. There should be a thorough analysis of the reason;
its impact and it must be judged from both perspectives.
• Societal changes are rapid as compared to the law. Therefore, there is a continuous
requirement of examination of law to meet existing social issues.
• Law is uncertain, and the predictability feature depends on the facts laid before the court to
make decisions.
• The formal and conceptual approaches to the law are not considered at all. This is because
the court should decide a case based only on logical grounds and not on an emotive basis.
• The realism movement has more emphasis on the psychological approach of law. It is
connected with human behavior.
• Realism states that legal terms affect the uncertainty of law and opposes it. So, it does not
support legal terminology.
• The legal case studies were analyzed from the judge’s justification to the decision already
made and the motivation behind every decision.
• The different outcomes of the courts within a similar framework are studied under the
realism movement. These results are studied as per the facts of a case.
“The Law”
• "The prophecies of what the courts will do in fact, and nothing more pretentious, are what I
mean by the law.”
• The law is nothing more than its practical effects, and those are affected on others by the
courts.
• Holmes argues for this position on an empirical basis rather than on conceptual grounds, as
Hart, Austin, and the Natural Lawyers defended their positions.
• He sought to understand both how law shows up in the experience of those who it affects
and how judges actually arrived at their decisions.