On the Three Types of Juristic Thought

by Joseph W. Bendersky

Overview

Bendersky provides the only English-language translation of one of Carl Schmitt's most controversial works. At the time of its publication in 1934 and during the war and the post-war years, the treatise was seen as a rationalization of the Nazi legal order. With the renaissance of Schmitt studies beginning in the 1980s, the man and his work, and this volume in particular, was reinterpreted. While some maintained that it was a foundation of Nazi legal theory and practice, others see it as a failed attempt at a conservative counterweight to the most extreme tendencies in National Socialism. Most see it in the context of Schmitt's intellectual growth and the challenges of the era.

An extended introduction and notes trace out the development of Schmitt's ideas as well as the various interpretations ehat have emerged to explain his work. Given the importance of Schmitt's ideas in modern political and judicial thought as well as its impact on constitution making, this translation will make this significant volume accessible to a wider readership of students and scholars of twentieth century political and legal theory.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313318917
Publisher:	ABC-CLIO, Incorporated
Publication date:	12/30/2004
Series:	Global Perspectives in History and Politics Series , #397
Pages:	136
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.38(d)

About the Author

CARL SCHMITT (1888-1985) was a jurist, scholar, and author.

JOSEPH W. BENDERSKY is Professor and Chair in the History Department at Virginia Commonwealth University. Among his earlier books is Carl Schmitt: Theorist for the Reich (1983).

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Three Types of Juristic Thought in German Historical and Intellectual Context by Joseph W. Bendersky

Distinctions among Juristic Ways of Thinking

Rule and Statute Thinking (Normativism) and Concrete-Order Thinking

Decision Thinking (Decisionism)

Nineteenth Century Juristic Positivism as Combination of Decision and Statute Thinking (Decisionism and Normativism)

Classification of Juristic Ways of Thinking in the Overall Development of Legal History

German Development Up to the Present

Development in England and France

The Current Situation of German Jurisprudence

Conclusion

Bibliography