PHIL 3480

Last Updated

  • Schedule of Classes - April 14, 2026 7:07PM EDT

PHIL 3480
Philosophy of Law

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

This will be a class on various topics in the philosophy of law. Some questions we'll be considering: What is law? Do laws have moral content? What is the proper role of judges in interpreting the law? What do alternatives to our legal system look like? Is there an obligation to obey the law? Might there sometimes be an obligation to disobey the law? What, if anything, justifies punishment by the state? What counts has having an excuse for wrongdoing? What counts as good evidence of guilt? What are the justifications for and limits of the right to free speech? When, if ever, is paternalistic interference by the state into the lives of its citizens justified? And what special ethical problems do practicing lawyers face?


Prerequisites one previous course in philosophy.

Distribution Requirements (KCM-AG), (ETM-AS)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2024FA, 2023SP, 2021SP, 2019FA

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Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session. 

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  9501 PHIL 3480   LEC 001

  •  
    • TR
    • Aug 24 - Dec 7, 2026

    • Markovits, J

  • Instruction Mode: In Person