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The Nature of Law

The Hart-Devlin Debate

  • 3 things to know
  • All three papers

Overview

Recall questions on what prompted the debate, Devlin's argument for shared moral bonds and the conclusions each side drew.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What prompted the Hart-Devlin debate?

Key term

What did Hart argue about private conduct that does not harm others?

Key term

How can enforcing morality through law protect vulnerable individuals?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What prompted the Hart-Devlin debate?

    Model answer

    The Wolfenden Report's recommendation to decriminalise private homosexual acts between consenting adults.

  2. 2

    Why did Lord Devlin believe society requires shared moral bonds?

    Model answer

    Because shared moral bonds are essential to social cohesion and hold society together.

  3. 3

    According to Devlin, what happens if common morality erodes?

    Model answer

    Social cohesion is threatened and society itself may be endangered.

  4. 4

    What conclusion did Devlin draw about law's role in enforcing morality?

    Model answer

    That law may legitimately enforce common morality to preserve social cohesion.

  5. 5

    According to Hart, is immorality alone a sufficient ground for making conduct criminal?

    Model answer

    No, Hart argued that immorality alone is insufficient ground for criminalisation.

  6. 6

    What did Hart argue about private conduct that does not harm others?

    Model answer

    That it should remain beyond legal regulation.

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The Nature of Law
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Assault and .
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AThe defendant must have brought something onto their land.
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Wound means a break in both layers of the skin.
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