Methodology of Legal Language Analysis in Herbert Hart’s Works (1949

Methodology of Legal Language Analysis in Herbert Hart’s Works (1949–1961)

Published:2019-10-07 Issue: Volume: Page:76-87
ISSN:2587-6090
Container-title:Russian Foundation for Basic Research Journal. Humanities and social sciences
language:en
Short-container-title:

Author:

Касаткин Сергей,Kasatkin Sergey

Abstract

The article includes a review of the research of a problematic historical and theoretical reconstruction of genesis and development of legal language analysis methodology proposed by Herbert Hart, a notable British legal expert. In the first part the author describes the philosophical basis of the Hart’s methodological concept (1949-1961) and defends a conclusion that analytical linguistic philosophy played a key part in its formation. The author affirms J.L. Austin’s key impact and intermediating secondary L. Wittgenstein’s influence on Hart. He mentions broad sources of Hart’s “open texture” concept that cannot be boiled down to F. Waismann’s views. The second part is focused on Hart’s ascriptivism and withdrawal ability concept (1949). Its contradictions include syncretism of withdrawal ability senses and social concept ascriptivity, as well as a rigid link between “action” and “responsibility” concepts. The paper emphasises value of the concept for formation of Hart’s legal methodology concept. The third part represents a study of Hart’s analytical law project (1950s) considered as a philosophical explanation of basic legal concepts related to “abnormal” legal language idea and appropriate method of “philosophical determination”. The latter is interpreted as a central exemplary method for Hart’s techniques of conceptual analysis in view of problematization of semantics-pragmatics relationship. The author reviews Hart’s discussions with J. Cohen, E. Bodenheimer and L. Fuller about analytical law consistency, records significance of their arguments and notes further transformation of the Hart’s concept into conventional legal science. The fourth part presents analysis of the treatise (1961) methodology as an analytical law and descriptive sociology research. Hart’s analysis of a law concept related to taxonomisation of central and borderline cases of its use is interpreted as an example of application of previously formed techniques intended for analysis of multivalent, open and compound concepts. The author mentions merits and demerits of Hart’s approach. At the same time, he proves a thesis concerning lack of necessary relationship between philosopher’s methodology and positivistic legal consciousness.

Publisher

Russian Foundation for Basic Research

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