McCoubrey & White's Textbook on Jurisprudence, 5th Edition

• Covers a wide range of philosophies, including feminist and post-modern legal theory, and Marxist and post-Marxist theories of law, making it a suitable guide for most jurisprudence courses
• Dedicated chapters introduce key theorists such as Hobbes, Kant, Rawls, placing their ideas in context to support the reading of primary materials and extracts
• Extended discussion of H.L.A. Hart explains the importance of The Concept of Law and provides analysis of the development of legal theory prior to and post-Hart.
• End of chapter further reading suggestions assist with further research and essay preparation
• Fully supports readers throughout their legal theory studies, providing a solid base for further research and allowing you to approach this daunting subject area with confidence
• Clearly breaks down the complexities of the subject and explains sophisticated ideas without oversimplification

New to this edition

• Substantial revision of Part 1: Theories of the Nature of Law
• New discussion of philosophical issues in law, featuring three new chapters: The Building Blocks of Law: Norms and their Nature; Governing and Obedience; and Law and Adjudication
• New chapters on the political and legal philosophies of Thomas Hobbes, Immanuel Kant, and John Rawls
• Substantial revision of chapters on Marxism and postmodern legal theory

Fully updated and revised by James Penner and Emmanuel Melissaris, McCoubrey & White's Textbook on Jurisprudence clearly breaks down the complexities of this often daunting yet fascinating subject. Sophisticated ideas are explained concisely and with clarity, ensuring the reader is aware of the subtleties of the subject yet not overwhelmed. 

With chapters dedicated to both key concepts and leading theorists, this text takes a wide-ranging look at jurisprudence and places central ideas in context. In particular this text centres around one of the leading theorists, H.L.A Hart, and considers the landscape of jurisprudence in relation to his seminal The Concept of Law, looking at the key ideas which influenced him and considering the response to his work. Coverage of post-modern and feminist legal theory is also included, alongside discussion of key theorists such as Hobbes, Kant, and Rawls.

Logically organised to support the topics commonly taught on jurisprudence and legal theory courses, this text provides an easy-to-follow and digestible account of this wide-ranging subject, making it the ideal companion text for further reading and research throughout your course.

Readership: Undergraduate students opting to study jurisprudence as part of their LLB, as well as those studying philosophy, politics and other social sciences.