Vol. 3 No.2: NOTES ON RONALD DWORKIN’S THEORY OF LAW

Abstract

Ronald Dworkin has based his theory of law on his on-going critique of positivist theories of law, especially the theory developed by Hart in “The Concept of Law”, as Dworkin believed that Hart’s theory was the “ruling theory of law”.1 Over the years, however, Dworkin's theory has evolved in the course of his response to critiques of his work or alternatively due to the fact that positivists in response to his criticisms, adapted the theory of positivism. From the 1960's onwards, this evolution of the anti-positivist theory can arguably be said to have occurred in three phases. Although it is possible to look at Dworkin’s theory in various ways, this particular note will take the approach of understanding how these three phases of development in his theory evolved and changed while enriching his interpretive theory all the time focusing on his developing critiques on Hart’s work.