What is law? Does it have a purpose? What is its relationship with justice? Do we have a moral duty to obey the law? These sorts of questions lie at the heart of jurisprudence. Moreover, every substantive or 'black letter' branch of the law raises questions about its own meaning and function. The law of contract cannot be properly understood without an appreciation of the concepts of rights and duties. The law of tort is directly related to several economic theories of compensation. The criminal law is inextricably linked to philosophies of punishment? Understanding Jurisprudence explores these problems and provides an engaging introduction to the central issues of legal theory. The book navigates the reader through legal philosophy's fundamental concepts, concerns, and controversies. An experienced teacher of jurisprudence and distinguished writer in the field, Professor Wacks adopts an approach that is easy to follow and understand without avoiding the complexities and subtleties of the subject. Students of law, politics, philosophy, and other social sciences will find this an ideal guide to the essential themes of contemporary jurisprudence. Online Resource Centre A free online resource accompanies the book and provides the following resources: Analysis of current controversies of a jurisprudential nature such as current legal and moral controversies and political debates An additional chapter providing guidance and advice on the study of jurisprudence An interactive glossary of key terms relating to legal theory Further reading, including links to full text journal articles Questions and answers Useful Web links to support learning

雷蒙德•；瓦克斯（Raymond Wacks），香港大学荣休教授。1986—1993年担任香港大学法律学系主任。主要研究领域为法律理论和人权理论，尤其精于隐私保护理论研究，是该领域的国际著名权威。

瓦克斯教授著作等身，三部牛津通识读本更是出类拔萃：《法哲学》（2014年）、《隐私简论》（2010年）和《法律简论》（2008年）。《读懂法理学》（2012年）作为瓦克斯教授最为出色的作品之一，是整个普通法世界学生的必备读物。