Obligation to Obey the Law: A Study of the Death of Socrates

D'Amato, Anthony

Abstract

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Obligation to Obey the Law: A Study of the Death of Socrates

Anthony D'Amato

Northwestern University - School of Law

November 15, 2010

Southern California Law Review, Vol. 49, 1976
Northwestern Public Law Research Paper No. 10-82

Abstract:
Do we have an obligation to obey any law, no matter how unjust or evil, provided only that it is in fact a valid rule of the legal system in which we happen to be physically located? Reassessment of the relation between law and ethics justifies a new look at the classic statement of legal obligation: the death of Socrates found in the dialogues of Plato. Three possible bases for an ethical obligation to obey the law are examined.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 24

Keywords: Socrates, estoppel, law and ethics, ethical obligation to obey law

JEL Classification: K10, K19, K30, K39

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Date posted: November 19, 2010

Suggested Citation

D'Amato, Anthony, Obligation to Obey the Law: A Study of the Death of Socrates (November 15, 2010). Southern California Law Review, Vol. 49, 1976; Northwestern Public Law Research Paper No. 10-82. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1710870

Contact Information

Anthony D'Amato (Contact Author)

Northwestern University - School of Law ( email )

375 E. Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
United States