Introduction to the Philosophy of Law

"This is the book I've been waiting for! A collaboration between a philosopher (White) and a legal scholar (Patterson), it contains both readings (classical and contemporary) and cases. All of the main theories of the nature of law are represented, from natural law and positivism (the stalwarts) to constructivism (Dworkin), consequentialism (Posner), critical legal studies, and feminist and the 'new' natural-law theory (Finnis), for a total of eight legal philosophies. Unlike other introductory textbooks, this one includes cases in statutory interpretation and private law (contract and tort) as well as public law. Students and instructors will love this book."--Keith Burgess-Jackson, The University of Texas at Arlington "An excellent collection of materials on the single most important question in legal philosophy: What are the criteria by which we can settle the question of whether something is a rule of law? The case materials are also very well chosen."--Ronald Moore, University of Washington