Jurisprudence II

The course deals with the interaction between the judicial system and social development in a wide sense. Considering the relationship of the judicial system to political, moral, economic, social and cultural contexts provides understanding of how legal thinking, legislation and application of law are influenced. The course includes basic history of ideas, classical philosophy of law such as natural law, legal positivism, legal realism and modern legal theory such as gender theory, critical theory and power theories. In addition, current jurisprudence perspectives are treated along with the foundations of sociology of law. The professional ethics of lawyers is treated. Different theories of the characteristic features of law as a norm system are thoroughly analysed through lectures and seminars in which different theories of philosophy of law are related to topical issues. Identifying main themes in different legal philosophies and analysing how these shape thoughts on principal legal issues and concepts enable students to problematise justice, rule of law, power relations, morality, gender and perceptions of current law. The basic assumptions of the legal method and traditional legal sources are problematised in terms of complementary and alternative perspectives.

Progressive specialisation: G1F (has less than 60 credits in first‐cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Education level: Undergraduate level

Admission requirements: Law Programme (JALAW) at Karlstad University: Courses of 30 ECTS credits (earned in semester 1) and 15 ECTS credits (earned in semester 2)

Selection:

Selection is usually based on your grade point average from upper secondary school or the number of credit points from previous university studies, or both.

This course is included in the following programme

• Law Programme (studied during year 2)