Theory of Sources of Law

Classification of the Theory of Sources of Law

There is literary warrant for theory of sources of law, though it is difficult to determine just how much literary warrant, because there are so many works on sources of law that are collections of source documents, not theory of sources. One place to look for theory of sources is in works with the LCC K280 (Law in general. Comparative and uniform law. Jurisprudence – Jurisprudence. Theory and philosophy of law – Sources of law – General works.)

The Dewey Classification does not propose a special subdivision of 340.11 Special topics of philosophy and theory of law for theory of sources of law; the Dewey classification has given 340.1 and its subdivisions for context only.

The Dewey Classification has made a conservative proposal for expanding 01 Philosophy and theory in the add table under 342-347-expanding it by only one digit to 011 Special topics of philosophy and theory of law, with “sources” in the including note as at 340.11 Special topics of philosophy and theory of law. In addition to the topics found in the including note at 340.11, the Dewey team has added “law and ethics” (caption at 340.112) and “law and society” (caption at 340.115) to the including note at the proposed 011 Special topics of philosophy and theory of law; the intent of the team is to make clear that all the topics in 340.11 and its subdivisions are included in the proposed 011 in the add table. The Dewey Classification was not convinced that there is literary warrant for expanding beyond 011.

The Dewey Classification has made changes to the standard subdivisions for 346 Private law so that the proposed 011 in the add table can be used there.