Understanding Jurisprudence: An Introduction to Legal Theory 3rd Edition

• Complex ideas are explained clearly, yet without avoiding the complexities and subtleties of the subject
• Engaging writing style makes this a highly readable and interesting account for both law and non-law students
• Accompanied by an extensive Online Resource Centre which includes advice on studying jurisprudence, interactive glossary of key terms, further reading, and analysis of topical controversies, such as political debates and current legal problems
• Includes further reading suggestions and questions for each chapter, encouraging students to engage critically with key debates and aiding future research
• Covers the key thinkers and theories covered on most jurisprudence and legal theory courses
• Includes coverage of non-Western legal traditions

New to this edition

• Extended coverage of natural law, to include a discussion of Finnis' 2011 postscript to his Natural Law and Natural Rights
• Developed discussion of American Realism
• Enhanced coverage of legal pluralism
• Updated analysis of the works of Shapiro and Dworkin
• Also features significantly re-written sections to achieve even greater clarity and accessibility, as well as new questions and updated reading lists

With a clear, engaging, and informal writing style, Understanding Jurisprudence is the perfect guide for students new to legal theory and looking for a convenient and interesting starting point for this sometimes daunting subject.

Key theories and theorists are introduced in a compact and manageable format, offering an accessible account of the central ideas without oversimplification. Further reading suggestions are included throughout, helping students to structure their research and navigate the many texts and articles available in this subject area. Critical questions are also included in each chapter, to encourage students to think analytically about the law and the key ideas and debates which surround it.

Professor Wacks is an experienced teacher of jurisprudence and excels in providing a concise, student-friendly introduction to the subject, without avoiding the subtleties of this fascinating discipline.

An extensive Online Resource Centre also accompanies this text (www.oxfordtextbooks.co.uk/orc/wacks3e/) and includes the following valuable resources:
- Author analysis of topical controversies such as political debates and current legal problems, to keep you informed of the relevance of jurisprudence to everyday life
- Interactive self-test glossary of key terms
- Additional chapters on approaching the study of jurisprudence, including revision and examination tips
- Further reading suggestions, including links to relevant and recent journal articles
- Useful weblinks
- Self-test questions on the key ideas from each chapter, with instant feedback

Readership: This book provides an invaluable introduction to legal theory not only for students of law but also for those studying politics, philosophy and other social sciences.