Law, Reason, and Emotion

How law is considered is a frequent theme of scholars and practitioners. As a product of societal norms, law is a multifaceted concept. This volume brings together leading academics to explore the role, importance and power of reason and emotion in justice and the law.

Lawyers and legal philosophers consider the implications for law inherent in the human need for society, our innate sense of justice and many other powerful inclinations and human emotions – including the desire for fairness and even for law itself. Human beings are deeply social creatures, inspired by social and other emotions that can ennoble, support or undermine the law, but law gains legitimacy and effectiveness when reason recognizes and embraces human emotions for the benefit of society as a whole.

This is a thought-provoking text that will provide a valuable theoretical basis for those who wish to develop more just and effective legal institutions.