In a world where we are surrounded by legal rules, one may wonder why we listen to the law in the first place. This concept of what makes law legally-binding is called jurisprudence. 

The concept of jurisprudence is no stranger to the world of legal philosophy. If you are interested in learning more about it, I highly recommend enrolling in PHI 312: Philosophy of Law next semester. 

This course begins by teaching you the basic theories of jurisprudence, then delves deep into specific legal philosophers that held theories within each major school of thought, such as H.L.A Hart, Ronald Dworkin and Lon Fuller.

My favorite part of this course was the fact that it is centered more around learning both concepts and people who took those concepts and created a theory. Knowing the reasoning behind a school of thought is nice, but it is so much more beneficial to understand what other scholars derived from said concepts. 

After this, you spend time learning more about specific parts of jurisprudence, such as how laws can be interpreted, if-and-or why it is permissible to break a valid law and if immoral laws hold any binding authority. 

PHI 312 isn’t just about the practicalities of law; it also invites students to question deeply held assumptions. Students explore why certain laws are followed and others are challenged, and grapple with questions like, “When, if ever, is it justified to defy legal authority?” 

By examining these topics, students will gain critical thinking skills and ethical insights that apply to more than just the courtroom — they’re relevant to everyday life.  

By examining the foundations of legal authority within this course, students learn to question assumptions, understand diverse viewpoints and develop well-reasoned arguments. All of these skills are an important part of any well-rounded person and will be sure to be of benefit to anyone who takes the course.

While the course may seem like it is suited for pre-law students, there is something for everyone. 

Yes, the majority of students in the course likely will have some sort of vested interest in attending law school after graduation, but not all of them will be. Some may have an interest in why law matters, or just want to understand the law more closely.

You don’t have to be a legal fanatic to want to know more about a system you live in. 

The course also encourages discussions that prepare students for active citizenship and personal accountability. 

In a world where protests, advocacy and social movements frequently question authority, understanding legal philosophy is invaluable. PHI 312 provides a space to understand the role law plays in society and how each of us contributes to shaping it, making it a must for anyone who wants a fuller picture of the law’s impact on our lives.

The course consists mostly of readings, which students discuss in-depth during class. There are some smaller pop-quizzes, which are usually open book, and three exams throughout the semester. 

I took this course with Nevin Johnson last spring, and it completely changed how I understood the law. The course is full of interesting content that Johnson encouraged us to critically engage with, which was able to further my understanding of the topics come exam time. 

The course challenges you to think critically about the authority and morality of legal systems, equipping you with insights that go far beyond the classroom. By exploring the philosophical foundations of law, you’ll not only gain knowledge but also develop a more nuanced perspective on the rights and responsibilities we all share. 

For any student looking to make sense of the complex relationship between law and society, PHI 312 is an invaluable opportunity, one that I highly recommend you take.