Jurisprudence is the study of the purposes and philosophies of law. This is the connection between morality and law, and asks the question, should laws and our obedience of them be influenced by our morality?

There are currently three schools of thought in regards to jurisprudence:
Legal Positivism
Natural Law
Legal Realism

Ju`ris*pru"dence (?), n. [L. jurisprudentia; jus, juris, right, law + prudentia a foreseeing, knowledge of a matter, prudence: cf. F. jurisprudence. See Just, a., and Prudence.]

The science of juridical law; the knowledge of the laws, customs, and rights of men in a state or community, necessary for the due administration of justice.

The talents of Abelard were not confined to theology, jurisprudence, philosophy. J. Warton.

Medical jurisprudence, that branch of juridical law which concerns questions of medicine.

 

© Webster 1913.