Readership: Academics and students of the philosophy of law and ethics
Nigel Simmonds, Reader in Jurisprudence, University of Cambridge
"This is a deep-going and deeply considered work, which should have a civilizing and reformative influence on English-speaking legal philosophy." - John Finnis
"Beautifully written and consistently illuminating." - John Gardner
"Law as a Moral Idea contains an important and original theory of the nature of law by a profound and brilliant thinker. It deserves to be read and carefully pondered by anyone seeking to gain a greater understanding of law in the modern world." - Sean Coyle, Journal of Moral Philosophy
"The seriousness by which Simmonds addresses the central claims of...positivists, often in forensic detail, is one of the strongest features of this book. He never attacks a straw-man and he clearly criticises the claims of his opponents on their home turf...A superb work in legal philosophy." - Patrick Capps, (2008) 28 Legal Studies 631-633
"The arguments are precise and subtle. I highly recommend ...this book, which is an invaluable contribution to our reflections on law and justice." - Professor Cristobal Orrego, Persona y Derecho
"For a clear and elegantly argued ... view of law that balances the mundane reality of legislation, precedent and practice against the ideal or aspirational quality of legality, one need look no further... I have never seen the case for this view more clearly and persuasively stated than it is in Law as a Moral Idea." - Sir Neil MacCormick
"A deep but accessible discussion that will prompt reflection and re-engagement with many of the most important and difficult problems of jurisprudence" - Mark Bennett, Canadian Bar Review
1: Jurisprudence and the Nature of Law 2: Dualism and the Archetype 3: Evil Regimes and the Rule of Law 4: Normativity, Legality, and Judgment 5: Ideal and Experience 6: Legality as a Value
