Hart's 'The Concept of Law'

H.L.A. Hart's *The Concept of Law* is a foundational philosophical work that explores what law is and how it functions. He argues that law is a system of rules, consisting of primary rules that govern behavior and secondary rules that establish how laws are created, changed, or interpreted. Hart emphasizes that law is a social institution supported by societal recognition and shared understanding, rather than just commands from authorities. The book clarifies the distinction between lawful rules and unlawful ones, and discusses the importance of rule-following, legal systems, and the nature of legal authority within society.