A Realistic Theory of Law

'This book displays Tamanaha's strengths: it is thoughtful, grounded on broad scholarship, written clearly, argued well, and offers a fair portrayal of contrary views. ... This is a very good and very important work. It is learned, clear, and provocative - in the best sense of that word.' Brian H. Bix, Frederick W. Thomas Professor of Law andPhilosophy, University of Minnesota

'Tamanaha has written a book which will revive socio-legal theory and, in particular, will re-introduce historical jurisprudence as a key dimension for any social theory of law. This is a timely and important book, and promises to make a contribution to legal theory equal to if not more important than Tamanaha's earlier landmark books. Tamanaha works out a systematic account of the way in which concepts and notions of law transform from one historical era to another, at both local, state, and international levels, thereby showing detached, ahistorical theories to be misguided. The book will be of interest not only to socio-legal theorists and students, but to legal philosophers as well, as Tamanaha sets many of his key arguments against much mainstream analytical legal theory (e.g. the work of H. L. A. Hart, Joseph Raz, and John Finnis).' Michael Giudice, York University, Canada

'This book presents a masterly overview of a complex tradition. Tamanaha combines a bold historical overview with acute analysis to make a compelling case that social legal theory and empirical studies are an essential part of understanding law.' William Twining, University College London

'This book develops a holistic theory of law as a social institution with varying forms and functions, tracing law from hunter-gatherer societies to the modern state and beyond.' Howard S. Erlanger, Law & Social Inquiry

Brian Tamanaha is William Gardiner Hammond Professor of Law at Washington University, St Louis School of Law. He is the author of eight books, including the prize-winning A General Jurisprudence of Law and Society (2001).

Introduction; 1. The third branch of jurisprudence; 2. What is law?; 3. Necessary and universal truths about law?; 4. A genealogical view of law; 5. Law in the age of organizations; 6. What is international law?; Conclusion: a realistic theory of law.