What is Legal Theory? I am asking for its concept, its definition by some Oxbridge or Ivy League Legal Dictionary
<p>People talk about Legal Theory and I do not understand what it is. The Theory Part.</p>

<p>In Physics, Chemisty, Geology, Economy, Sociology... Theory is an explanation of a phenomenon( why it occurs and numbers and variables are permitted it is often the case that a Theory is highly quantitative). A theoretic scientist deals with ideas, concepts and tries to explain the observations. An experimental scientist is the one that provides the theoretic one with the observations</p>

<p>In Computer Science, Philosophy, Languages... Theory is an explanation of how the phenomenon occurs, i.e how to produce it.</p>

<p>From <a href="https://definitions.uslegal.com/l/legal-theory/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">US Legal</a>:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Legal theory refers to the principle under which a litigant proceeds, or on which a litigant bases its claims or defenses in a case. It can also be the law or body of rules of conduct which are of binding legal force and effect, prescribed, recognized, and enforced by a controlling authority.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>It can also be used as a synonym for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jurisprudence" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Jurisprudence</a> or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy_of_law" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Philosophy of law</a>.</p>

<p>Which it is has to be determined from the context.</p>

<p>If you are studying law as an academic subject which, I gather from other posts, you are, then <strong>Legal Theory</strong> is the main part of <a href="https://law.stackexchange.com/questions/60220/what-is-jurisprudence/73697#73697">Jurisprudence</a>.</p>
<p>Legal Theory asks <em>what is the nature of law?</em></p>
<p>There are a number of particular theories propounded by various jurists which attempt to answer this question. Some of the more well-known ones are</p>
<p>The Command Theory of Law (Austin)</p>
<p>The Pure Theory of Law (Kelsen)</p>
<p>Hart's Concept of Law</p>
<p>Finnis' restatement of natural law</p>
<p>In the academic subject of Legal Theory the various theories are studied and critiqued.</p>

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