The authority of law

Author: Raz
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: "The publication of this book established Joseph Raz as an outstanding philosopher of law." — C.L. Tenenbaum in Mind "He is a skilled positivist philosopher of law, and his interpretation of legal positivism is exciting." — Thomas Morawetz in Ethics
The main issues discussed in this book are the nature of law, the relationship between law and morality, and the correct moral attitude that citizens should have towards the law. The author attempts to analyze the legitimacy of authority using a novel approach and provides an insightful explanation of the methodology of legal positivism. In this process, the author also examines other legal areas related to moral values, namely the social function of law, the concept of the rule of law, and the role of courts. The latter part of the book is dedicated to addressing some key substantive issues. The author argues that there is no obligation to obey the law. He emphasizes the moral importance of "respecting the law," an analysis that is novel. The author maintains that there is no right to peaceful resistance in free countries (although peaceful resistance is sometimes justified in free countries), but there is a right to conscientious objection in certain circumstances.