"The Concept of Law" by H.L.A. Hart

"The Concept of Law" by H.L.A. Hart is a foundational work in legal philosophy that explores how laws function within society. Hart argues that laws are composed of rules, some of which are authoritative and others that specify behavior. He distinguishes between *primary rules* (which tell us what we can or must do) and *secondary rules* (which establish how laws are created, changed, or enforced). This framework helps clarify the nature of legal systems, emphasizing that law isn't just a set of commands but a structured system of rules that governs social order through both obligations and procedures.