Understanding Jurisprudence: An Introduction to Legal Theory

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Raymond Wacks (Emeritus Professor of Law and Legal Theory, Emeritus Professor of Law and Legal Theory, University of Hong Kong)

Understanding Jurisprudence

Name: Understanding Jurisprudence
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ISBN: 9780192859372

An Introduction to Legal Theory

Raymond Wacks (Emeritus Professor of Law and Legal Theory, Emeritus Professor of Law and Legal Theory, University of Hong Kong)

$117.95

Paperback

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English

Oxford University Press
07 June 2026

Jurisprudence & philosophy of law

Understanding Jurisprudence provides an illuminating and engaging introduction to the central questions of legal theory. It is the perfect starting point for those new to the subject. Addressing students directly, Professor Raymond Wacks brings legal theory to life through his lucid and entertaining style. The author has crafted a manageable, student focussed guide, balancing concise introductions to the key theorists and core issues such as punishment and rights, without ignoring the subtleties of the subject. Key features · An extremely readable and stimulating account for all law students, offering the ideal support for a legal theory module, as well as providing valuable context for the study of law in general · Written by an experienced academic and author, the text explains complex ideas with clarity, without avoiding the subtleties of the subject · Exposes students to a broad range of key theorists and concepts, along with issues such as punishment and rights which are treated thematically · Features pithy extracts and extensive further reading to introduce and explain the central scholarly works, ideas, and commentaries which shape legal theory, providing the ideal base for further study · End of chapter self-test questions are integrated into the digital versions of the book to help students test their understanding of jurisprudence · Also available as an e-book with multiple-choice questions and other functionality, navigation features, and links that offer extra learning support New to this edition points · Expanded discussion of theories of justice, globalization, the challenges to the rule of law following the change in US administration in January 2025, and environmental protection · New section on judicial review developments in Eastern Europe and democracy elsewhere · Analysis of the right to life reconsidered in the light of the US Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v Wade, and the proposed legislation on assisted dying in England and Wales · Consideration of new theories on the subject of animal rights · New discussion on capital punishment · Updated suggested further reading lists and self-test questions Digital formats and resources The seventh edition is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats: the e-book and Law Trove offer a mobile experience and convenient access along with self-test questions with instant feedback, guidance and advice on studying jurisprudence, interactive flashcards of key glossary terms, links to useful websites, further reading suggestions, functionality tools, navigation features and links that offer extra learning support. For more information about e-books, please visit ww.oxfordtextbooks.co.uk/ebooks

By: Raymond Wacks (Emeritus Professor of Law and Legal Theory Emeritus Professor of Law and Legal Theory University of Hong Kong)
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: 7th Revised edition
Dimensions: Height: 247mm, Width: 171mm, Spine: 21mm
Weight: 677g
ISBN: 9780192859372
ISBN 10: 0192859374
Pages: 440
Publication Date: 07 June 2026
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Professor Raymond Wacks is Emeritus Professor of Law and Legal Theory, University of Hong Kong. He has taught jurisprudence around the world for over thirty years. He has published more than twenty books and numerous articles on legal philosophy, the right of privacy, the rule of law, and human and animal rights. His books have been translated into several languages including Arabic, Greek, Turkish, Chinese, Italian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Georgian.

Reviews for Understanding Jurisprudence: An Introduction to Legal Theory

An admirably clear, extremely helpful, and accurate introduction to this formidable subject. The elegance of the writing and the breadth of knowledge - displayed here in such an easily accessible form - make it essential reading for every student of jurisprudence. * Stephen Guest, Emeritus Professor of Legal Philosophy, University College London * Wacks has a remarkable ability to convey difficult concepts and ideas without distorting their meaning. * Daniel Bansal, Associate Professor of Law, University of Leicester * [The book] is written in a clear and engaging manner, contains a helpful glossary and covers a multitude of theories and issues (for example, legal obligation). * David I. Benbow, Lecturer in Law, University of Sheffield * Students are often daunted by the prospect of studying jurisprudence. Written in a clear and engaging way, with students in mind, this textbook is a valuable resource that makes the subject more accessible and enjoyable. * Patrick O'Callaghan, Professor of Law, University College Cork *