A Short History of Western Legal Theory

by John Maurice Kelly

Book Overview

This unique publication outlines the development of legal theory from pre-Roman times through the twentieth century. It relates the evolution of legal theory to parallel developments in political theory and history. This work also discusses the relevant contemporary events in politics, economics, and religion. Each chapter begins with a synopsis of related historical background for the period, going on to discuss how these events are related to political...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0198762445
• ISBN13: 9780198762447
• Release Date: May 1992
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 484 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.8" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Excellent primer on theory, more historical than legal.

This is a fabulous book. It begins with early concepts from ancient Greece, lays out the fundamental differences between "natural law" and "the law of the real world," then extends the history of legalistic ideas through the Roman epoc, middle ages, etc. The book identifies the bases of difference between the legal systems of the west and those of communist states, e.g., common law and code law vs. Marxist law. It fully describes the influence of Christianity on western legal thinking. There are "plots" and "sub-plots" in this book that are absolutely fascinating. Finally, it is deliciously written; for those who truely appreciate the english language.