Phil 427/G : Philosophy of Law
( Spring 2012 )

Time : W 4:00 - 6:45 p.m.  /  Place: CH 316 
Professor : Dr. M. J. Seidler / Office: CH 322
Phone : 745-5756  /  E-mail: michael.seidler@wku.edu
Office Hours : MWF 10:15 - 11:15 a.m., before/after class, & by appt. 

Catalog Description :  A study of theories on the nature and origin of law, basic legal concepts (obligation, right, equality, liberty, justice), legal moralism, church and state, civil disobedience, and other topics. 

Course Texts : 

• Mark C. Murphy, Philosophy of Law: The Fundamentals (Malden, MA: B. Blackwell, 2007), pbk.  [M] 
• Aileen Kavanaugh and John Oberdiek, eds., Arguing About Law (New York: Routledge, 2009), pbk. [KO] 
• Peter Suber, The Case of the Speluncean Explorers: Nine New Opinions (New York: Routledge, 1998), pbk. [S] 

Assignments : (1) 6-7 pp. paper on a topic from the first part of the course (choice of topics provided) [25 pts], (2) paired class presentation on one of the final three topics in class (weeks 12-14) [20 pts.], (3) 15-20 pp. research paper [35 pts.] on a student-selected topic (this may coincide with the presentation theme), (4) preparation / participation [10/10 pts] based on weekly meetings 

Attendance : Students are allowed a maximum of two (2) unexcused absences; every additional unexcused absence may affect your final  grade. Note that attendance and class participation are not identical: the former signifies presence of body, the latter presence of mind. 

Electronic resources :  Course Website  /  Blackboard  /  Research Tools  /  Publication & Presentation Opportunities   

NOTE : Use of electronic gadgets during class must be approved by the professor in advance. Misuse will result in loss of priviledges;  repeated misuse will be sanctioned.