Examples Of Hart's Second Critique Of Positivism

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Optional Assignment #1 H.L.A Hart in section 3 of “Positivism and the Separation of Law and Morals” addresses a second critique of the separation theory-there is no necessary connection between law and morality-that comes from American legal realists. Hart describes the dichotomy that exists between deciding legal cases in an automatic or mechanical way and deciding cases by reference to social purposes show that the insistence on the separation theory is incorrect. He describes legal problems that exist in the law as problems of the penumbra where there has not been a prior legal interpretation or the situation is in a gray area of the law. An example of this would be if a law prohibited vehicle use on public sidewalks. Would bicycles, skateboards, or roller blades be considered vehicles in addition to cars? Hart argues that those who view the judicial making process as strictly deductive are delusional, because in these penumbra situations, judges need to consult moral theories-what the law ought to be-when making their decisions and cannot simply reach their decision through deductive reasoning. However, just because a judge thinks that the word “vehicle” ought to include x, y, or z, this doesn’t necessarily mean he is referring to moral principles. When judges make decisions in these penumbra situations they are acting with legislative authority when no precedent exists because they are making a choice between different interpretations of how law …show more content…

The term ought Hart describes as the mere existence of some criticism standard. Hart further refuses the idea of revise the definition of what a legal rule is. He states that holding on the utilitarian separation theory requires that law is settled in meaning and requires no further interpretation as it can be applies mechanically to any

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