'Jurisprudence' Summary

John Salmond's Jurisprudence is a classic work of legal philosophy. First published in 1902, it has been translated into more than 20 languages and is still widely read today. The book provides a comprehensive and systematic exposition of the fundamental principles of jurisprudence. Salmond's approach is analytical and critical, and he draws on a wide range of sources, including legal theory, history, and comparative law. The book is divided into four parts. The first part deals with the nature of law. Salmond argues that law is a body of rules that are binding on members of a community. He distinguishes between law and morality, and argues that law is not necessarily based on morality. The second part of the book deals with the sources of law. Salmond identifies three main sources of law: legislation, custom, and judicial decisions. He discusses the relative importance of these sources and the relationship between them. The third part of the book deals with the classification of law. Salmond divides law into two main categories: public law and private law. He then subdivides each of these categories into a number of subcategories. The fourth part of the book deals with the relationship between law and morality. Salmond argues that law and morality are distinct but interrelated. He discusses the ways in which law can influence morality and the ways in which morality can influence law.