Austin's command theory

Austin's command theory suggests that laws are essentially commands issued by a sovereign authority, which are backed by the threat of punishment. These commands are directed at the governed, and their validity depends on the sovereign's power to enforce them. In this view, laws are not just moral rules but directives that require compliance, and they derive their authority from the sovereign's ability to impose sanctions. This theory emphasizes the role of authority and enforcement in defining what counts as law, rather than focusing solely on moral or social acceptance.