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The word jurisprudence derives from the Latin term juris prudentia, which means "the study, knowledge, or science of law.

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What do you think? What factors alter your thoughts?

What other thoughts came to your mind as you considered the above scenarios?

These situations and your thinking are linked to theories of law. You will notice that there is not always a clear answer to a question. What is perceived as "right" or "just" can vary depending upon your beliefs or morals, upon the balance of power in a society or upon the system of justice that exists.

Please watch an interesting lecture from Harvard University entitled "Justice: What's The Right Thing To Do?" Listen carefully to the ideas presented. How would you respond to the lecturer's scenario? His lecture will help you to understand the connections between the theories and contemporary society. Theories and ideas of the past are connected to the present.

It is an engaging presentation so take the time to think, ask questions and try to articulate your responses. This will give you a glimpse of what you have to look forward to in your post secondary studies.

This is the dropbox icon. Lecture Reflection

Write a reflection on the lecture, being sure to include answers to the following questions:

  1. According to the speaker, what is the importance of engaging in philosophical debate?
  2. How would you have responded to his hypothetical situations? Explain your thinking.
  3. What connections does he draw between philosophy and other areas of life?
  4. What questions would you pose? What thoughts can you contribute?
  5. What are your thoughts on the case of Dudley and Stephens?
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Categories of Legal Thought

You have taken some time to consider different ideas and concepts in a loosely structured manner as you viewed the lecture and crafted your journal response. Now it is time to organize some of those ideas as they relate to legal theory. There are four primary categories of legal thought.

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How did you do? Do you have an understanding of the differences between the four fields of thought?

This is a drawing of two women carrying signs. They are marching to advocate for women’s rights

Theories of law apply to contemporary society.

There are many ideas about law and interpretations of the various theories. For example: A subcategory of critical legal theory might be feminist or Marxist jurisprudence. Some people believe that women and those who have less money have been discriminated against under the law.

Some people believe that the law should reflect the beliefs of the public or that the impact a courtroom decision may have on society should influence a judge. Think of the riots that sometimes occur around the world if the people do not agree with a verdict. This would fall under the category of legal realism.

Just as Professor Michael Sandel noted, the theories and concepts of law do have relevance in our discussions of contemporary issues.

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