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Full-Text Articles in Law
On 'Positivism' And 'Legal Rational Authority', John M. Finnis
On 'Positivism' And 'Legal Rational Authority', John M. Finnis
Journal Articles
This Article critiques Anthony Kronman’s book Max Weber, which provides an interpretation of Weber’s social theory of law concerning positivism and legal rational authority. In particular, the three premises of Kronman’s thesis regarding social theory are considered and their weaknesses are explained. Through this critique, the Author argues that no good reason has been presented to accept that Weber’s positivist theory is of value.
Jurisprudence As Narrative: An Aesthetic Analysis Of Modern Legal Theory, Robin West
Jurisprudence As Narrative: An Aesthetic Analysis Of Modern Legal Theory, Robin West
Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works
Recent legal scholarship has engaged in a growing dialogue tying literary criticism to jurisprudence. In this article, Professor Robin West adds her voice by advocating the reading of legal theory as a form of narrative. Drawing from Northrop Frye's “Anatomy of Criticism,” Professor West first details four literary myths that combine contrasting world visions and narrative methods. She then applies Frye's categories to Anglo-American jurisprudential traditions and employs aesthetic principles to analyze influential legal theorists within these traditions. Finally, Professor West argues that recognizing the aesthetic dimension of legal debate frees us to realize our moral ideals.