General Theory of Law and State

by Hans Kelsen

Overview

Reprint of the first edition. This classic work by the important Austrian jurist is the fullest exposition of his enormously influential pure theory of law, which includes a theory of the state. It also has an extensive appendix that discusses the pure theory in comparison with the law of nature, positivism, historical natural law, metaphysical dualism and scientific-critical philosophy. "The scope of the work is truly universal. It never loses itself in vague generalities or in unconnected fragments of thought. On the contrary, precision in the formulation of details and rigorous system are characteristic features of the exposition: only a mind fully concentrated upon that logical structure can possibly follow Kelsen's penetrating analysis. Such a mind will not shrink from the effort necessary for acquainting itself with...the pure theory of law in its more general aspects, and will then pass over to the theory of the state which ends up with a carefully worked out theory of international law." Julius Kraft, American Journal of International Law 40 (1946):496.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781584777175
Publisher:	The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd.
Publication date:	12/07/2009
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	544
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.21(d)

Table of Contents

I: The Law; Nomostatics; I: The Concept of Law; II: The Sanction; III: The Delict; IV: The Legal Duty; V: The Legal Responsibility; VI: The Legal Right; VII: Competence (Legal Capacity); VIII: Imputation (Imputability); IX: The Legal Person; Nomodynamics; X: The Legal Order; XI: The Hierarchy of the Norms; XII: Normative and Sociological Jurisprudence; II: The State; 13: The Law and the State; II: The Elements of The State; III: The Separation of Powers; IV: Forms of Government: Democracy and Autocracy; V: Forms of Organization: Centralization and Decentralization; VI: National and International Law