Theories Of Law

Front 1

Virtual Jurisprudence

Back 1

argues that the purpose of law is to promote virtuous behavior by citizens, and to be a moral guideline

Front 2

Critical Morality

Back 2

argues that legal system should listen to voice of the people, but follow the most defensible and reasonable view (quality or quantity)

Front 3

Natural Law

Back 3

set of ideal, enduring, inflexible rules of conduct from which all laws should originate, reflects enduring standards that have a strong sense of morality

Front 4

Divine Law

Back 4

law is a product of God's will. If people do not incorporate God's will into a law, it is not valid

Front 5

Positive Law

Back 5

law is simply what authorities say it is

Front 6

Legal Formalism (Letter of the Law)

Back 6

body of rules that should be consistently applied

Front 7

Feminist Jurisprudence

Back 7

argues that legal system upholds inequality for women and has a strong gender bias

Front 8

Spirit of the Law

Back 8

argues that judges should consider underlying purposes and values of the law when they attempt to apply it

Front 9

Sociological Jurisprudence

Back 9

argues that judges should consider how outcome will affect society

Front 10

Popular Morality

Back 10

argues that the community's voice should shape the court's decision, majority opinion is important

Front 11

Marxist Jurisprudence

Back 11

argues that law is merely a tool of the ruling classes

Front 12

Legal Realism

Back 12

argues that the courts are the real author of the law because the law is vague and leaves a lot up to judges