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Blackstone, William (1723–80)

DOI
10.4324/9780415249126-T027-1
DOI: 10.4324/9780415249126-T027-1
Version: v1,  Published online: 1998
Retrieved April 20, 2024, from https://www.rep.routledge.com/articles/biographical/blackstone-william-1723-80/v-1

Article Summary

Blackstone produced the first systematic exposition of English law as a body of principles. His enterprise was founded upon the assumption that the detailed rules of English law embodied and enforced natural law. Blackstone’s invocation of natural law has frequently been regarded as ornamental rather than substantial, but there is no good reason for taking this view. Blackstone is now remembered as much for Bentham’s attacks upon him as for his own contribution.

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Citing this article:
Simmonds, N.E.. Blackstone, William (1723–80), 1998, doi:10.4324/9780415249126-T027-1. Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Taylor and Francis, https://www.rep.routledge.com/articles/biographical/blackstone-william-1723-80/v-1.
Copyright © 1998-2024 Routledge.

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