Jurisprudence: Theory and Context

Author: Brian Bix

Price: £22.95

Edition: 5th Edition (February 2009)

ISBN: 978-1-84703-445-8

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Jurisprudence: Theory and Context claims to be 'aimed primarily at students studying jurisprudence', as an introductory text to the complex and intellectual theories surrounding jurisprudence.  For the most part this is achieved. 

Bix sets out each chapter clearly and provides valuable synopses of the key theories, including the natural law theory versus legal positivism and general jurisprudence and conceptual analysis, as well as the individual works of theorists such as Hart and Fuller.  Further, there are insightful comparisons between the English and American systems of jurisprudence, and contemporary schools of thought, including feminist and critical race theories are also discussed.

At the end of each chapter, Bix provides a detailed and valuable list of suggested further reading which would benefit those wishing to delve deeper into the complexities of jurisprudence.  However, Jurisprudence: Theory and Context also claims to 'offer benefits to scholars in the field' and no doubt this influenced the author's language and written style which is as complex as the subject matter he deals with.  Whilst he does offer valuable context and comment, undergraduate students may, at times, have to work a little harder to fully grasp what exactly the author is trying to say. 

On the whole, the further reading recommendations and the summaries of the primary jurisprudence theories make Jurisprudence: Theory and Context a valuable resource for students.  However, Bix's rather dry and wordy writing style make an already difficult subject all the more daunting and the text seems (albeit unintentionally) to be aimed more at those who already have a working knowledge of jurisprudence. 

Reviewed on 22 March 2009

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