This work presents, interprets and largely defends the legal philosophy of H.L.A. Hart, except for his account of causation. Hart is considered by many persons to be the most important English writer on jurisprudence in the 20th century. The book considers his general theory of law, his theory of rights and of the enforcement of morality, and his analysis of the conditions of legal responsibility and the justification of punishment.
1. Problems and Definitions.- 2. A Critique of Austin.- 3. Elements of Law.- 4. The Nature of Rules.- 5. Morality and Legality.- 6. Rights.- 7. Hart Vs. Dworkin.- 8. Legislation of Morality.- 9. Mental Conditions of Criminal Responsibility.- 10. Justification of Punishment.- Abbreviations.- Works by Hart.- Works Cited or About Hart.
' The book deserves recognition as perhaps the most clever and scholarly account of Hart we shall be likely to see for some time. ' Neil MacCormick