Customer Reviews

A Companion to Philosophy of Law and Legal Theory (Blackwell Companions to Philosophy)

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I recently started law school myself at the age of 37. A few months before I did so, I took reviewer Richard King's advice (below) and bought this Companion. It is indeed everything he describes.

Not only will the articles provide solid, helpful overviews on specific topics, but the bibliographies will lead the reader on to other works on specific topics. This one is a keeper.

Although parts of it will be easier to read for those with some background in philosophy, such a background is not strictly necessary. And the essays on introductory topics (torts, contracts, property, etc.) may serve the intelligent student as well as a shelf-full of "Nutshell" volumes.

This volume will also be of interest to readers who are already involved in the philosophy of law; a number of the articles herein were written by well-known names in the field (e.g. Jules Coleman, Ernest Weinrib) and can't be found elsewhere.

And if you're just now introducing yourself to a particular field of legal theory -- law and economics, say, or legal formalism -- the introductions in this volume are worth reading _before_ picking up specific books on the topic in question. You'll be better equipped to read even, say, Mercuro/Medema's excellent _Economics and the Law_ or Weinrib's also excellent _The Idea of Private Law_ after reading the overviews presented here.

The editor's goal in assembling this Companion was to make the philosophy of law accessible and interesting to the non-specialist. He states that he wanted to publish a text that introduces law students to the theoretical underpinnings of the law. He has succeeded admirably in reaching his goal. It is unfortunately the case that most law schools in the United States fail to introduce law students to the philosophy of law-such courses are usually elective, and most students take only courses that will help them pass the bar or assist them in their jobs. As a result, many American lawyers have only a superficial understanding of our legal system-they lack an understanding of the nature and functions of law that would not only enrich their lives, but that would also prepare them to make more meaningful contributions to the profession and to society. The Blackwell Companion can fill this void in law school curriculum, and it should be required reading for all law school students. Moreover, the approachable nature of the Companion should prove inviting to the undergraduate. It may even encourage students that are interested in the nature and functions of law to attend law school-an institution that is often the haven of those that are only interested in pursuing or preserving money and prestige. Highly recommended.

The diversity and varying depth of legal theories and critical perspectives created a clear need for this book. Its structure is compartmentalized, and complements its breadth of vision. The various articles, written by leading scholars, are aimed at the introductory level. The achievement is comprehensibility - no advanced degree required. The superior quality of the articles cannot be understated.

(Paperback edition) The paper is of acceptable but lower grade quality. The text font is readable but left me with the impression that the publishing company used an old IBM Selectric typewriter.

This book is a magnificent resource for law students and lawyers. Each chapter is written by a different author, and it explains the philosophy of a different legal aspect (ie contracts, torts, criminal law, etc). Also, each section contains a thorough bibliography of each subject, which is extremely useful.

If you don't want to spend as much, buy the paperback edition, but I highly recommend you get the hardcover, as this will be a book you will use throughout your carreer and professional life, and the hardcover is very nicely binded.