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concept1986-present

Law as Integrity

Disciplines:
jurisprudence/philosophy of law

Summary

Dworkin's theory that judges should interpret the law as if it were authored by a single coherent moral agent — finding the interpretation that best fits and justifies the legal practice as a whole.

Core Contribution

Law as integrity: treat the law as a coherent moral narrative — past decisions set precedents that constrain future decisions, but the judge must interpret the precedents as expressing consistent principles. Fit and justification: the best interpretation must fit the legal record (not simply ignore inconvenient precedents) and must present it in its morally best light. Contrasts with conventionalism (law is just settled precedent) and pragmatism (judges can decide whatever produces the best future outcome).

Historical Influences

Ronald Dworkin Ronald Dworkin's Anti-Positivism

Intellectual Lineage

Analytic Philosophy of Law

Allied Works

Law's Empire Taking Rights Seriously Justice for Hedgehogs

Contemporaries & Peers

Originalism Pragmatist Legal Theory

Minds Influenced

Legal Theory Constitutional Interpretation

Intellectual Posterity

Legal Interpretivism Constitutional Theory

Discussing

Law as Integrity

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