On the Rule of Law: History, Politics, Theory

by Brian Z. Tamanaha

Although it is currently the most important political ideal, there is much confusion about what the 'rule of law' means and how it works. Brian Tamanaha outlines the concerns of Western conservatives about the decline of the rule of law and suggests reasons why the radical Left have promoted this decline. Two basic theoretical streams of the rule of law are then presented, with an examination of the strengths and weaknesses of each. The book's examination of the rule of law on a global level concludes by deciding whether the rule of law is a universal human good.

Genres: Law, Philosophy, Nonfiction

188 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Chaundra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contrasting this with the Loughlan, this is much better laid out and the prose is extremely clear. I love the progression through time and place; it really does help link the ideas in a way you feel more stable and comfortable with where he's taking you. The only thing that's difficult per se is the endnotes rather than footnotes, but that's more personal preference.

[Phillip · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 2004 book explores the history, politics, and theory surrounding the rule of law ideal, beginning with classical Greek and Roman ideas, elaborating on medieval contributions to the rule of law, and articulating the role played by the rule of law in liberal theory and liberal political systems. The author outlines the concerns of Western conservatives about the decline of the rule of law and suggests reasons why the radical Left have promoted this decline. Highly Recommended!

[mamaimarichman · Rating 3 out of 5]

корисна література, що розглядає еволюцію поглядів на право через різні історичні обставини та поступовий розвиток правових напрямів. є умовна часова лінія, по якій можна простежувати зв'язок людини та права. інколи інформації бракувало, але книга, беззаперечно, розрахована на додатковий ресьорч бажаних тем.

три зірочки з п'яти здебільшого через брак новизни матеріалу!

[Yigit Koçak]

Tamanaha has presented the serious subject of the Rule of Law in a fluid and simple manner. He has enriched the subject considerably by examining the transitions between Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and Modernity, as well as ideologies, the distinction between form and content, and international law.