An Introduction to the Philosophy of Law: Revised edition (The Storrs Lectures Series) [Paperback]

Roscoe Pound (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0300001886 | ISBN-13: 978-0300001884 | Publication Date: September 10, 1959 | Edition: Revised

Roscoe Pound ranks as one of the most prominent legal scholars in the development of American jurisprudence. In An Introduction to the Philosophy of Law, he shows how philosophy has been a powerful instrument throughout the history of law. The function of legal philosophy, writes Pound, is to rationally formulate a general theory of law which conforms to the interests, the general security first and foremost, of society. Marshall DeRosa writes in his new introduction that in the light of twentieth-century judicial politics, Roscoe Pound's philosophy of law has prevailed to a significant extent. This book's relevance to appreciating the development of the American legal system in all its complexities - including liability law, contract law, and property law - is in itself notable. But, in terms of understanding the twentieth-century development of the American rule of law, An Introduction to the Philosophy of Law is indispensable. It will make an invaluable addition to the personal libraries of legal theorists, philosophers, political scientists, and historians of American law.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Dean Pound has given us a clear, concise introduction to the philosophy of the law. It is so concise that it is impossible to summarize it so as to give any idea of its wealth of learning....An excellent, impartial and concise presentation of the subject... --William Herbert Page, Harvard Law Review 36:115-117 --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Roscoe Pound was dean of the Harvard Law School. His other books include Social Control Through Law (Available from Transaction), The Spirit of the Common Law, and Interpretations of Legal History. Marshall L. DeRosa is associate professor of political science at Florida Atlantic University and Salvatori Fellow with the Heritage Foundation. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press; Revised edition (September 10, 1959)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300001886
• ISBN-13: 978-0300001884
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,514,814 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have for anyone studying the law, April 25, 2006

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Jo-Be-Se - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Law: Revised edition (The Storrs Lectures Series) (Paperback)

I'm a college student with a legal studies concentration. I've taken 8 courses on our legal system so far, most of which concentrate on the judicial system. In two chapters this book covers more than any textbook I've been assigned for my courses. Pound's discussions on the application of law are worthwhile in and of themselves. This is clearly the definitive classic text on american jurisprudence, most of which is still relevant despite its age.
That said, there is a downside to the book. It takes hours to read certain pages. In a few sentences Pound manages to convey the same information other authors do in pages. This is not hyperbole. I'm currently taking Judicial Process and Business Law. The combined texts for those classes border on 750 pages. This one book discusses all of the same topics, in much more precise and clear language, in 168 pages. If you want to learn why the law is the way it is, this is the one book you must buy.