Lon Fuller

Definition

Lon Fuller was a prominent legal philosopher known for his work on the relationship between law and morality, particularly through his theory of the 'inner morality of law.' He argued that law is inherently tied to ethical principles, emphasizing that legal systems must have certain characteristics, such as generality and public promulgation, to be considered valid. Fuller's ideas highlight the importance of moral values in understanding and evaluating the law.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lon Fuller's key work, 'The Morality of Law,' presents his argument for the inner morality of law, which posits that laws must adhere to certain moral criteria to be legitimate.
2. Fuller distinguishes between laws that are merely commands and those that embody principles of justice and fairness, underscoring the role of moral considerations in the law's function.
3. He famously critiqued legal positivism, claiming it fails to account for the essential moral dimensions of law, advocating for a more integrated view of legality and ethics.
4. Fuller identified eight principles necessary for a functioning legal system, such as clarity, consistency, and non-retroactivity, which connect law to moral reasoning.
5. His views significantly influenced debates surrounding the role of morality in legal interpretation and the legitimacy of laws, making him a key figure in 20th-century legal philosophy.

Review Questions

• How does Lon Fuller's concept of the 'inner morality of law' challenge legal positivism?
  • Fuller's concept of the 'inner morality of law' challenges legal positivism by asserting that the legitimacy of laws cannot solely depend on their sources or formal structure. He argues that a valid legal system must also adhere to certain moral principles, such as being general and publicly accessible. This perspective indicates that ignoring the moral dimensions of law leads to an incomplete understanding of its role in society.
• Discuss how Fuller's eight principles contribute to our understanding of the relationship between law and morality.
  • Fuller's eight principles illustrate how effective legal systems must encompass ethical considerations alongside procedural rules. These principles, such as clarity, consistency, and non-retroactivity, indicate that laws should not only function effectively but also reflect moral values that promote fairness and justice. By emphasizing these principles, Fuller shows how morality is integral to assessing whether laws serve their intended purposes within society.
• Evaluate the implications of Fuller's theory on contemporary debates about law and ethics in judicial decision-making.
  • Fuller's theory has significant implications for contemporary debates regarding how judges interpret and apply the law in light of ethical considerations. His emphasis on the connection between law and morality encourages judges to look beyond mere textual analysis or positivist interpretations when making decisions. This approach fosters a more holistic understanding of justice, urging jurists to consider societal values and ethical frameworks in their rulings, thereby promoting a legal system that is responsive to moral imperatives.

Related terms

Natural Law: A philosophical belief that law should be based on inherent moral principles and values, suggesting that there are universal moral standards that inform legal systems.

Legal Positivism: A theory of law that asserts the validity of law is not dependent on its moral content but rather on its sources and social practices.

The Morality of Law: A book written by Lon Fuller where he explores the essential characteristics that make law morally relevant and emphasizes the connection between legal systems and ethical norms.