Undergraduate Module Descriptor

PHL3061: Philosophy of Law

This module descriptor refers to the 2016/7 academic year.

Overview

NQF Level 6
Credits 15 ECTS Value 7.5
Term(s) and duration

This module ran during term 1 (11 weeks)

Academic staff

Dr Shane Glackin (Lecturer)

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Available via distance learning

Yes

Laws give us reasons for action; we should fasten our seatbelts because it is the law. But what sort of reasons are these?  This course focusses on the classic debate in jurisprudence between those who think that law is intrinsically linked to justice – so that our reasons for obeying it are ultimately moral reasons – and those who deny this. We will examine questions about: what entitles law-makers to make law; what guides judges in reasoning about and applying it; and what makes those who break the law responsible for doing so, and justifies punishing them. No previous experience of philosophy is necessary, and the course is suitable for students of Law, Criminology, or Politics.

Module createdLast revised

18/08/2015