Abstract
This chapter considers law as a concept and in its context. It examines key legal concepts such as law and morality, jurisprudence, the legitimacy of laws, the rule of law, and the separation of powers, looking at these in both theory and practice. It includes consideration of the virtue, duty, and consequentialist ethical theories, and legal theories including natural law, legal positivism, realism, and critical legal studies. Consideration is given to UK and international factors to give the broadest possible context, including identifying interdisciplinary perspectives. Real life examples are provided and discussed to aid deeper understanding of the concepts referred to.
