The Architecture of Law: Rebuilding Law in the Classical Tradition argues that classical natural law jurisprudence provides a superior answer to the questions “What is law?” and “How should law be made?” rather than those provided by legal positivism and “new” natural law theories. The Architecture of Law explores the metaphor of law as an architectural building project, with eternal law as the foundation, natural law as the frame, divine law as the guidance provided by the architect, and human law as the provider of the defining details and ornamentation. Classical jurisprudence is presented as a synthesis of the work of the greatest minds of antiquity and the medieval period, including Cicero, Artistotle, Gratian, Augustine, and Aquinas. The separation of the study of law from knowledge of theology and morality, McCall argues, only results in the impoverishment of our understanding of law. He concludes that they must be reunited in order for jurisprudence to flourish. This book will appeal to academics, students in law, philosophy, and theology, and to all those interested in legal or political philosophy.
“. . . a bold, thoughtful, and cogent defense of classical natural law theory and its relevance for the contemporary theory and practice of law. This book deserves wide attention from legal scholars as well as theologians and historians of law.”
—Journal of Law and Religion
“The book is nothing short of a masterpiece. It is truly a tour de force that articulates and defends the classical understanding of natural law against detractors (and reformers) of both yesteryear and today. With this book, Brian McCall has established himself as, arguably, the leading natural law luminary in American legal academia.”
—Ronald J. Colombo, Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
Brian McCall holds the Orpha and Maurice Merrill Chair in Law at the University of Oklahoma College of Law.
Learn more:
- The hardcover release of The Architecture of Law won the Catholic Press Association Book Award, Theology: Morality, Ethics, Christology, Mariology, and Redemption