University of Michigan Law School
Definitions of law often raise the question of the extent to which law incorporates morality. John Austin’s utilitarian answer was that law is “commands, backed by threat of sanctions, from a sovereign, to whom people have a habit of obedience”. Natural lawyers on the other side, such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, argue that law reflects essentially moral and unchangeable laws of nature. The concept of “natural law” emerged in ancient Greek philosophy concurrently and in connection with the notion of justice, and re-entered the mainstream of Western culture through the writings of Thomas Aquinas, notably his Treatise on Law. The Center for Professional Development & Career Strategy offers unique programs and services tailored to the needs of individual students and alumni. The focus of the conversation on October 28 is “Legal Aspects of China’s 20th Party Congress.” Ling Li , Mark Sidel , Holly Snape , and Taisu Zhang will join …