300
Studies the notion of natural law and its relationship to human law and the political order. It examines the natural law tradition from its classical expressions to the great Catholic tradition of natural law to its substantial influence on the Anglo-American common law to its role in influencing the American Revolution and constitutional tradition. The contrast between the classical/Christian tradition of natural law and its modern expression is discussed. The course also considers how modern legal thinking has diverged from the natural law tradition, and how the clash between natural law and positivistic conceptions of law and morality is vividly seen in many current public issues and legal questions.
While not a prerequisite, it is recommended that students take
POL 101 before enrolling in this course.
Is a broad survey of the ideas and systems of law, including the development of Roman law as the basis of many of the law codes of modern Europe and a survey of the development of the common law of England, which is the basis of much of American law and the law of several other countries with English roots. The course will also consider an historical and philosophical comparison between the development of these two systems.