"The Rise and Fall of Classical Legal Thought"

"The Rise and Fall of Classical Legal Thought" traces how early legal ideas evolved from the 19th century to the mid-20th century. Classical legal thought viewed law as a set of fixed, logical principles grounded in morality and reason, emphasizing consistency and predictability. Over time, this approach was challenged by considerations of social context, power dynamics, and practical realities, leading to alternative theories like legal realism. The shift marked a move from viewing law as an ideal to understanding it as influenced by social factors and human values, reshaping how law is interpreted and applied today.