1. Legal formalism is the view that judges should apply rules according to their plain meaning, irrespective of how unjust or unreasonable the rule is. Explain TWO problems with formalism. How might a formalist respond to these problems? Do you agree with these responses? Give REASONS for your answer.

In answering these questions, you must refer to the course materials.

This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:

• Analyse the issues at stake in debates about the nature of law, legal reasoning and adjudication.
• Assess the strengths and weaknesses of different theories about the nature of law, legal reasoning and adjudication.
• Apply knowledge of theoretical debates in jurisprudence in assessing the reasoning in legal cases and answering hypothetical problems.
• Communicate using clear and cogent arguments both orally and in writing

IV. Marking criteria:

Answers will be marked according to four main criteria, each worth 25 marks:

1. Understanding of key arguments and debates;
2. Development of a consistent and coherent argument in response to the questions;
3. An ability to critically engage with the arguments and debates;
4. Clarity of expression, structure and referencing.

V. Marking rubric

High Distinction (85% plus)

A High Distinction paper will:

• Demonstrate an excellent understanding of the central arguments and debates;
• Accurately explain the arguments and demonstrate an appreciation of complexity;
• Demonstrate an excellent ability to identify problems with arguments and how they might be addressed;
• Provide evidence or reasons to support the arguments and claims being made.
• Prioritise relevant materials and arguments, demonstrating a good structural balance.
• Write clearly and concisely, using complete sentences, and have impeccable grammar and spelling.

1400- 1500 words.

Footnotes and the bibliography are not included in the word limit. Abide by AGLC4.

Readings to be used in essay:

READING

Denise Meyerson,Jurisprudence(Oxford University Press, 2011), chap 1.

Riggs v Palmer,115 NY 506 (1889).

Scott Shapiro,Legality(Belknap Press, 2011), pp 1-34.

Meyerson,Jurisprudence, chap 2.

H L A Hart,The Concept of Law(2ndedn, Clarendon Press, 1994) [available via Multisearch (Unit Readings tab)], pp 26-35.

'John Austin', Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy [internet resource]

Meyerson,Jurisprudence, pp 35-52 and 69-87.

H L A Hart,The Concept of Law, pp 79-91.

H L A Hart, 'Positivism and the Separation of Law and Morals' (1958) 71Harvard Law Review593.

R Dworkin, 'The Model of Rules' (1067) 35University of Chicago Law Review14, (sections II and III).

Meyerson,Jurisprudence, chap 5.

L Fuller, 'Positivism and Fidelity to Law - A Reply to Professor Hart' (1958) 71Harvard Law Review630, Parts I -VI only.

Brian Bix, 'Natural Law Theory' in D Patterson,A Companion to Philosophy of Law and Legal Theory(Blackwell, 1996), pp 223-240.

Lon Fuller, 'The Problem of the Grudge Informer',The Morality of Law(Yale University Press, 1969), pp. 245-253.

Meyerson,Jurisprudence, pp 60-7, 135-48, 101-3.

L Fuller, 'Positivism and Fidelity to Law - A Reply to Professor Hart' (1958) 71Harvard Law Review630, Part VII.

F Schauer, 'Formalism' (1988) 97Yale Law Journal509.

Meyerson,Jurisprudence, pp 148-182.

H L A Hart,The Concept of Law, pp 124-36.

Ronald Dworkin,Law's Empire(Harvard University Press, 1986), pp 24-29, 225-247, 410-413.

L Fuller, 'The Case of the Speluncean Explorers' (1949) 62 (4)Harvard Law Review616.

Meyerson,Jurisprudence, chaps 7-8.

B Leiter, 'Legal Realism and Legal Positivism Reconsidered' (2001)Ethics289.

B Leiter, 'American Legal Realism', inThe Blackwell Guide to the Philosophy of Law and Legal Theory(Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010), pp. 249-266.

R Posner,Law, Pragmatism, and Democracy(Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2003), Ch. 2.

Jules Coleman and Gabriel Mendlow,'Theories of Tort Law',Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy(2010):http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/tort-theories/#TheTorLawEcoAna

Meyerson,Jurisprudence, chap 9.

K Marx [1859], Preface to 'A Contribution to the Critique of Political Economy' in K Marx and F Engels,Selected Works, vol 1 (Foreign Languages Publishing House, Moscow, 1958) p 362 [available via Multisearch (Unit Readings tab)].

C Mackinnon,Feminism unmodified: discourses on life and law, (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1987), Ch. 2.