Philosophy of Law
Study Course Implementer
Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
Preliminary Knowledge
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Has acquired basic knowledge of the origin, genesis and substance of rights in the context of philosophy.
Report • Individual work
2.Is familiar with basic schools/ doctrines of legal philosophy – natural law school, legal positivism, historical law school, socialist law school, and understands their impact on modern legal thought.
Task 2 “Natural and positive rights” • Examination • Task 3. “Rights positivism. Historic School of Law. Socialist Law School"
3.Is familiar with key figures in the philosophy of law from antiquity to the present day.
Examination • Task 2 “Natural and positive rights”
4.Is able to characterise basic theories of legal philosophy – social contract theory , theory of separation of powers, command theory, theory of recognition, theory of ideal state, theory of ethatism, theory of convergence, etc.).
Report • Examination
5.Understands the issues of rights philosophy (justice, equality, freedom, dignity, duty, responsibility, general good, happiness, etc.).
Examination • Task 3. “Rights positivism. Historic School of Law. Socialist Law School" • Report • Seminar
Skills
1.By critically evaluating information accumulated in the cut of the ages, is able to select the essential and necessary modern legal challenges to solve.
Seminar • Task 2 “Natural and positive rights” • Task 3. “Rights positivism. Historic School of Law. Socialist Law School"
2.Has acquired the skills to deal with problems sequentially from different angles, understanding the interpretation, objectives, interests of as many legal issues as possible of the parties to the legal relationship.
Task 3. “Rights positivism. Historic School of Law. Socialist Law School"
3.Is able to link antiquity to the present day by creating legal relations, including able to explain the prerequisites for the formation of the Latvian legal system.
Task 3. “Rights positivism. Historic School of Law. Socialist Law School" • Seminar • Report • Task 2 “Natural and positive rights” • Examination
4.Is able to structure the learning process, make inordinate decisions, scientifically justify them by defending their views as members of their profession and elsewhere.
Report
5.Has developed the skills to work not only individually but also in teamwork, where different views and opinions on prevailing processes in society must be confronted.
Seminar
Competences
1.At the end of the course, the student will be competent to provide a reasoned opinion on matters relating to the philosophy of law. Will be able to assess the impact of their professional contribution on the philosophy of law as a branch of law.
Examination • Seminar
2.The knowledge acquired by the student in the philosophy of law will be the basis for developing the understanding of the philosophy of law today. Student will be able to independently carry out further compilation of information and analysis thereof, linking it to the direction of the philosophy of law.
Report
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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1.
Individual work |
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Test
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A small introductory task to be performed before the first lecture prepares the student for the course. The purpose of the task is to enter into the course “philosophy of Law”. The job will be rated as passed or failed. The results are discussed in the first lesson. Fulfilment of a job is a mandatory prerequisite for a student to take an exam. |
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2.
Task 2 “Natural and positive rights” |
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Test
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The purpose of the independent work, exercise 2, is to develop an understanding of two basic categories of legal philosophy, namely the interaction between “natural right” and “positive right”. The job will be rated as passed or failed. Performance of the work is mandatory so that the student can take the final exam. |
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3.
Task 3. “Rights positivism. Historic School of Law. Socialist Law School" |
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Test
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The aim of the third independent work (casus) is to develop an understanding of the directions of the philosophy of rights – the positivism of rights, the socialist law school and the historical law school, as well as their interaction with each other. In addition, within the scope of the assignment, students shall examine the direction/concepts of legal philosophy on the resolution of placement situations. The job will be rated as passed or failed. Fulfilment of a job is a mandatory prerequisite for a student to take an exam. |
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Examination
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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|---|---|---|
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1.
Report |
40.00% from total grade
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10 points
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A report shall be prepared for the successful completion of the study course by the student within the specified time period. The successful preparation of the report is a prerequisite for the student to take the final exam. The purpose of the report is to promote the completion of the course while improving and developing student analysis skills. Within the framework of the report, research on a specific issue is expected from the student, creating a discourse with the makers of legal thought, as well as discerning the relationship between theories and modern legal realities. Reporting requirements: 8-10 pages, quotes not exceeding ¼ of the total. The report shall be drawn up in compliance with RSU work design requirements. The report shall use national and foreign sources. Evaluation criteria - according to the work invested and performance of the given task:
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2.
Seminar |
10.00% from total grade
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Test
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The aim of the seminar is to develop the work of students in ateam, the ability to work together on issues related to the problem of legal philosophy. The seminar will include the group work and students will present the lessons learned from the process of writing the report. Attendance at the seminar is a necessary prerequisite for the student to take the exam. For successful completion of the seminar, the student will obtain 1 point from the final assessment. |
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3.
Examination |
50.00% from total grade
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10 points
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A written exam is provided for at the end of the study course. Only students who have completed permanent work (3 tasks submitted), successfully written a report and attended a seminar will be able to take the exam. These requirements are a necessary prerequisite for the completion of the course and for the completion of the final exam. The exam will consist of tickets with questions about the topics included in the description of the study course. The aim is to verify the student’s work during the course, including work with the literature to be learned within the course. Each ticket will include a number of questions for which points will correspondingly be eligible, which will form the overall assessment of the exam. A range of exam questions will be available in advance. During the exam, the student will only be allowed to use his or her note (in paper form). Books and digital resources will not be allowed! |
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Study Course Theme Plan
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Introduction to the Philosophy of Law: 1.1. Purpose, concept and tasks. 1.2. Subject and content. 1.3. Place in philosophy and jurisprudence. 1.4. The beginnings of the legal philosophy in Europe.
Description
The concept, purpose and tasks of the philosophy of law. The content of the philosophy of law and understanding of the subject. The place of the philosophy of law amongst other sciences. Development and genesis of the philosophy of law. The problem of separation of the philosophy of law from other subjects. The beginnings of the philosophy of law in Europe. Ancient Greece. Ancient Rome. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Seminar: Topic 1. Theoretical part: Understanding the Philosophy of Law. Practical part: practical work in groups.
Description
Topics covered during the class: What is law and what are rights? Subjective and objective rights? How to distinguish the philosophy of law from legal theory? How to distinguish between law and morality? Development of the concept of human dignity. State (ideal State).
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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School of Natural Law: 2.1. Concept and content. 2.2. Ancient Natural law. 2.3. Medieval Natural Law. 2.4. Natural Law in Enlightenment. 2.5. Kant's contribution to the understanding of Natural Law. 2.6. The Decline of Natural Rights. 2.7. Modern Natural Law. 2.8. Natural law and the legal system of Latvia.
Description
Natural Law - concept and content. Understanding natural law in the ancient world. Understanding the concept of State (ideal State) (Plato, Aristotle, Cicero). Medieval natural law. Law and religion. Natural Law and the Enlightenment. Social contract. Understanding justice in natural law. The concept of human dignity. Kant's contribution to the understanding of natural law. Kant's concept of freedom and eternal peace. The principle of hospitality. Categorical imperative. The revival of natural law after the Second World War. Contemporary trends in natural law. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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School of Natural Law: 2.1. Concept and content. 2.2. Ancient Natural law. 2.3. Medieval Natural Law. 2.4. Natural Law in Enlightenment. 2.5. Kant's contribution to the understanding of Natural Law. 2.6. The Decline of Natural Rights. 2.7. Modern Natural Law. 2.8. Natural law and the legal system of Latvia.
Description
Natural Law - concept and content. Understanding natural law in the ancient world. Understanding the concept of State (ideal State) (Plato, Aristotle, Cicero). Medieval natural law. Law and religion. Natural Law and the Enlightenment. Social contract. Understanding justice in natural law. The concept of human dignity. Kant's contribution to the understanding of natural law. Kant's concept of freedom and eternal peace. The principle of hospitality. Categorical imperative. The revival of natural law after the Second World War. Contemporary trends in natural law. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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School of Natural Law: 2.1. Concept and content. 2.2. Ancient Natural law. 2.3. Medieval Natural Law. 2.4. Natural Law in Enlightenment. 2.5. Kant's contribution to the understanding of Natural Law. 2.6. The Decline of Natural Rights. 2.7. Modern Natural Law. 2.8. Natural law and the legal system of Latvia.
Description
Natural Law - concept and content. Understanding natural law in the ancient world. Understanding the concept of State (ideal State) (Plato, Aristotle, Cicero). Medieval natural law. Law and religion. Natural Law and the Enlightenment. Social contract. Understanding justice in natural law. The concept of human dignity. Kant's contribution to the understanding of natural law. Kant's concept of freedom and eternal peace. The principle of hospitality. Categorical imperative. The revival of natural law after the Second World War. Contemporary trends in natural law. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Seminar: Topic 2. Theoretical part: Understanding and issues of Natural Law. Practical part: practical work in groups.
Description
Topics covered during the class: What is natural law? What are natural rights? What are positive (conditional) rights? What is the nature of law? What are the sources of law? What is the natural state? What is the social contract? Why is separation of powers necessary? What is justice? Can the law be unjust? The idea of equality
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Historical School of Jurisprudence: 3.1. Place in the philosophy of law. 3.2. Main representatives. 3.3. Directions. 3.4. Significance for the development of legal systems. 3.5. Criticism. 3.6. Hegel's philosophy of law.
Description
Prerequisites of emergence and genesis. Basic idea of historical jurisprudence. The direction of historical thinking in the philosophy of law. Representatives of the historical school of jurisprudence and main directions. Significance of the school in development of the idea of law. Hegel's philosophy of law. The influence of the historical school of jurisprudence on the development of Latvian legal system. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Seminar: Topic 3. Theoretical part: Historical understanding of law. Practical part: practical work in groups.
Description
Topics covered during the class: What is source of law? How does law develop? What is the relationship between customary law and positive law? What is the role of law in human life? Are there constant values? What is the value of rights? How was the Latvian legal system formed? What is the influence of the historical school of law on the development of the Latvian legal system?
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Legal Positivism: 4.1. Classical legal positivism and its decline. 4.2. The revival of legal positivism (neo-positivism). 4.3. Criticism.
Description
Prerequisites for the emergence and genesis of legal positivism. Legal positivism as a direction of thinking in the philosophy of law. Classical legal positivism (Austin, Kelzen). Basic norm, hierarchy of normative legal acts. Decline and revival of legal positivism today (neo-positivism). Modern legal positivism (Hart). Sociological and psychological directions in jurisprudence. Philosophy of interests (Jering). Other directions in the philosophy of law. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Legal Positivism: 4.1. Classical legal positivism and its decline. 4.2. The revival of legal positivism (neo-positivism). 4.3. Criticism.
Description
Prerequisites for the emergence and genesis of legal positivism. Legal positivism as a direction of thinking in the philosophy of law. Classical legal positivism (Austin, Kelzen). Basic norm, hierarchy of normative legal acts. Decline and revival of legal positivism today (neo-positivism). Modern legal positivism (Hart). Sociological and psychological directions in jurisprudence. Philosophy of interests (Jering). Other directions in the philosophy of law. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Socialism School of Law: 5.1. Concept and understanding. 5.2. Development. 5.3. Marxism. 5.4. Directions. 5.5. Criticism.
Description
The socialist way of thinking in the philosophy of law. Classical socialism, the prerequisites for its emergence and further influence. Bolshevism socialism. Critique of socialism. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Seminar: Topic 4.-5. Theoretical part: Positive understanding of law. The principle of a socially responsible state. Practical part: practical work in groups.
Description
Topics covered during the class: What is positivism in jurisprudence? Who / what is a sovereign? What gives rights power? What is the Basic Law? What are recognition norms? What are the principles of law? What is an obligation? What makes a law rights? What is the concept of a socially responsible State? Distributive and equalizing justice. Equality.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Theories and issues of the philosophy of law: 6.1. Political positivism. 6.2. Other directions of thinking in the philosophy of law. 6.3. Gnoseology, axiology, ontology of law. 6.4. Legal issues.
Description
Epistemology, axiology and ontology of law. Politics of Rights (Machiavelli). Separation of power (Montesquieu, Locke, Medion). Addressing legislative gaps. The category of justice in law. Equalizing and distributive justice. Right and rights. Category of freedom in law. Category of equality in law. Human dignity. Property. Fine. Common good. State legal mission. Philosophy of Law Course Summary and Key Takeaways. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Theories and issues of the philosophy of law: 6.1. Political positivism. 6.2. Other directions of thinking in the philosophy of law. 6.3. Gnoseology, axiology, ontology of law. 6.4. Legal issues.
Description
Epistemology, axiology and ontology of law. Politics of Rights (Machiavelli). Separation of power (Montesquieu, Locke, Medion). Addressing legislative gaps. The category of justice in law. Equalizing and distributive justice. Right and rights. Category of freedom in law. Category of equality in law. Human dignity. Property. Fine. Common good. State legal mission. Philosophy of Law Course Summary and Key Takeaways. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Seminar: topic 1-6. Theoretical part: Summary of the course. Practical part: presenting the results of the reports, group work.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Seminar: topic 1-6. Theoretical part: Summary of the course. Practical part: presenting the results of the reports, group work.
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to the Philosophy of Law: 1.1. Purpose, concept and tasks. 1.2. Subject and content. 1.3. Place in philosophy and jurisprudence. 1.4. The beginnings of the legal philosophy in Europe.
Description
The concept, purpose and tasks of the philosophy of law. The content of the philosophy of law and understanding of the subject. The place of the philosophy of law amongst other sciences. Development and genesis of the philosophy of law. The problem of separation of the philosophy of law from other subjects. The beginnings of the philosophy of law in Europe. Ancient Greece. Ancient Rome. |
|
Theories and issues of the philosophy of law: 6.1. Political positivism. 6.2. Other directions of thinking in the philosophy of law. 6.3. Gnoseology, axiology, ontology of law. 6.4. Legal issues.
Description
Epistemology, axiology and ontology of law. Politics of Rights (Machiavelli). Separation of power (Montesquieu, Locke, Medion). Addressing legislative gaps. The category of justice in law. Equalizing and distributive justice. Right and rights. Category of freedom in law. Category of equality in law. Human dignity. Property. Fine. Common good. State legal mission. Philosophy of Law Course Summary and Key Takeaways. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
School of Natural Law: 2.1. Concept and content. 2.2. Ancient Natural law. 2.3. Medieval Natural Law. 2.4. Natural Law in Enlightenment. 2.5. Kant's contribution to the understanding of Natural Law. 2.6. The Decline of Natural Rights. 2.7. Modern Natural Law. 2.8. Natural law and the legal system of Latvia.
Description
Natural Law - concept and content. Understanding natural law in the ancient world. Understanding the concept of State (ideal State) (Plato, Aristotle, Cicero). Medieval natural law. Law and religion. Natural Law and the Enlightenment. Social contract. Understanding justice in natural law. The concept of human dignity. Kant's contribution to the understanding of natural law. Kant's concept of freedom and eternal peace. The principle of hospitality. Categorical imperative. The revival of natural law after the Second World War. Contemporary trends in natural law. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Historical School of Jurisprudence: 3.1. Place in the philosophy of law. 3.2. Main representatives. 3.3. Directions. 3.4. Significance for the development of legal systems. 3.5. Criticism. 3.6. Hegel's philosophy of law.
Description
Prerequisites of emergence and genesis. Basic idea of historical jurisprudence. The direction of historical thinking in the philosophy of law. Representatives of the historical school of jurisprudence and main directions. Significance of the school in development of the idea of law. Hegel's philosophy of law. The influence of the historical school of jurisprudence on the development of Latvian legal system. |
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Socialism School of Law: 5.1. Concept and understanding. 5.2. Development. 5.3. Marxism. 5.4. Directions. 5.5. Criticism.
Description
The socialist way of thinking in the philosophy of law. Classical socialism, the prerequisites for its emergence and further influence. Bolshevism socialism. Critique of socialism. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Legal Positivism: 4.1. Classical legal positivism and its decline. 4.2. The revival of legal positivism (neo-positivism). 4.3. Criticism.
Description
Prerequisites for the emergence and genesis of legal positivism. Legal positivism as a direction of thinking in the philosophy of law. Classical legal positivism (Austin, Kelzen). Basic norm, hierarchy of normative legal acts. Decline and revival of legal positivism today (neo-positivism). Modern legal positivism (Hart). Sociological and psychological directions in jurisprudence. Philosophy of interests (Jering). Other directions in the philosophy of law. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Seminar: topic 1-6. Theoretical part: Summary of the course. Practical part: presenting the results of the reports, group work.
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Bibliography
Required Reading
Broks J. Tiesību filosofija. –Rīga: Biznesa augstskola Turība, 2004.
Horns N. Ievads tiesību zinātnē un tiesību filozofijā // Likums un tiesības. – 1999. Nr.1.-4.;2000. Nr.1.-8.
Lejiņš P., Šulcs L. Tiesību filozofija. Rīga, 1938
Neimanis J. Ievads tiesībās. Rīga: Ratio iuris, 2005
Additional Reading
Aristotelis. Nikomaha ētika. Pagātnes domātāju darbi. –Rīga: Zvaigzne, 1985
Bandēns G. Leģisms – senās Ķīnas valsts pārvaldes doktrīnas //Vispārīgās tiesību teorijas un valsts zinātnes atziņas. – Rīga: LU, 1997
Bēkons F. Jaunais orgānus. Pagātnes domātāju darbi. – Rīga: Zvaigzne, 1989
Boazs D. Pasaules filozofiskā doma labklājības meklējumos. – Rīga: Biznesa augstskola Turība, 2006..
Cipeliuss R. Tiesību būtība. Juridiskai izglītībai un praksei. – Rīga: Latvijas Universitāte, 2001.
Dāle P. Imanuels Kants. – Rīga: Valters un Rapa. 1936.
Dišlers K. Latvijas valsts varas orgāni un viņu funkcijas. – Rīga: Tiesu namu aģentūra, 2004
Domas par antīko filozofiju. – Rīga: Avots, 1990.
Freibahs L. Kristietības būtība. Nākotnes filozofijas pamati. Pagātnes domātāju darbi. 2.papildizdevums. – Rīga: Zvaigzne, 1991
Fihte J.G. Cilvēka būtība. Par cilvēka lielumu. Pagātnes domātāju darbi. – Rīga: Zvaigzne, 1989
Fuko M. Uzraudzīt un sodīt. – Rīga: Omnia mea, 2001.
Kants I. Prolegomeni. Pagātnes domātāju darbi. – Rīga: Zvaigzne, 1990
Krastiņš I. Tiesību Doktrīnas. – Rīga: LU, 1996
Lazdiņš, J. Vēsturiskā tiesību skola un Latvija. Latvijas Universitātes raksti, 2006. Nr.703, 21.-43.lpp.
Kūle M., Kūlis R. Filosofija. – Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC, 1998.
Levits E. Par līdztiesību likuma un tiesas priekšā, un diskriminācijas aizliegumu. Par Satversmes 91.pantu.
Makjavelli N. Valdnieks. – Rīga: Tapals, 2007
Meļķisis E. Attīstības tendences dažādos tiesību teorijas un prakses jautājumos. – Rīga: Latvijas Universitāte, 2000.
Osipova S. Musulmaņu tiesību vēsture viduslaikos. – Rīga: LU, 2001
Osipova S. Tiesību socioloģija kā juridiskā zinātne un tās ģenēze. // Juridiskā zinātne. Latvijas Universitātes raksti Nr.703. Rīga: LU, 2006
Platons. Valsts. - Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC, 2001;
Razs Dž. Brīvības morāle. – Rīga: Sorosa fonds Latvija, 2001
Šarls Luijs de Monteksjē, Persiešu vēstules. Pagātnes domātāju darbi. – Rīga: Zvagzne, 1990
Šulcs L. Tiesību idejas un dabisko tiesību problēmas Kanta tiesību teorijā. – Rīga: Valters un Rapa, 1939
Šulcs L. Dabisko tiesību evolūcija. Tiesību ministrijas vēstnesis. – Nr.5/6, 1934
Šulcs, L. Tiesību idejas un dabisko tiesību problēmas Kanta tiesību teorijā. – Rīga: Valters un Rapa, 1939.
Vedins I. Likuma ontoloģija. // Raksti Nr.8 – Rīga: Policijas akadēmija, 2001
Ziemele, I. Starptautiskās tiesības un cilvēktiesības Latvijā: abstrakcija vai realitāte. – Rīga: Tiesu namu aģentūra, 2005.
Ackermann B.A. Social Justice in the Liberal State. – London: Yale University press, 1980
Adams D.M. Philosophical problems in the Law; 3rd edition. – Canada: Wadsworth, 1999
Dworkin R. Taking Rights Seriously. –London: Duckworth, 1978
Eisenberg M.A. The Nature of the common law. – England: [b.v.], 1998
Feinberg J. Philosophy of Law. 6th ed. – Wadsworth: [b.i.],2000
Frederik G. Kempin, Jr.Historical Introduction to Anglo – American Law. – St.Paul: Back’s Law dictionary, - 1998
Professional Responsibility and regulation. Deborah L. Rhode, Geoffrey C. Hazard, Foundation Press, NY, 2002
Shaklee I. N. Law and Politics//legism. - Cambridge: Hardvard University Press, 1986
Zippelius R. . Rechtsphilosophie. 4.Auflag.Munchen: Verlag C.H.Beck, 2003