Jurisprudence:

Introduction to Jurisprudence
Natural Law Theory
Legal Positivism
The Sociological School of Legal Thought
Marxist Legal Theory
Feminist Theory of Law
The Realist School of Jurisprudence

Statutory Interpretation:

Introduction to Statutory Interpretation
Traditional Rules of Statutory Interpretation
Secondary Rules of Statutory Interpretation
Constitutional Interpretation
Aids to the Interpretation of Statutes – Internal Aids and External Aids
Interpretation of International Treaties

The first assessment is a take-home essay assessment of 1,500 words. In Week 06, students will be provided with a choice of five essay questions and will be required to select one question focusing on jurisprudential theory/theories. The assessment requires students to critically evaluate the selected theory/theories, with particular attention to its underlying principles, strengths, weaknesses and contemporary application.

The second assessment consists of one-and-half-hours written examination to be held in Week 15. Students will be required to answer three types of questions. First, 10 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) will assess student's recall of key jurisprudential theories. Second, there will be a compulsory problem-based question designed to assess student's ability to demonstrate the use of internal and external interpretive aids in construing the meaning of legal texts. The third question must be selected from a choice of three and will assess student's knowledge of the conceptual and theoretical foundations of legal interpretation, as well as their ability to analyse different approaches to statutory, constitutional, and international treaty interpretation.

The module is delivered through weekly lectures and workshops, providing both direct contact time and guided independent study. Lectures are primarily tutor-led and are designed to introduce and contextualise key concepts, incorporating interactive elements to promote student engagement. Workshops facilitate deeper exploration and practical application of lecture content through structured discussions, research-informed activities, and problem-based exercises.

Attendance and adequate preparation for all scheduled sessions are compulsory. Independent learning is supported through directed reading and research tasks, enabling students to develop increasing autonomy while enhancing essential legal skills, including critical analysis, legal reasoning, problem-solving, research proficiency, and effective communication. Students are expected to engage in extensive reading in preparation for both taught sessions and assessments, and to participate in a range of learning strategies that foster the construction of knowledge through problem-based learning.

1. Describe and summarise the major jurisprudential theories and their core principles.

Knowledge and understanding
Communication

2. Distinguish between and classify the principal jurisprudential theories based on their key features.

Critical reasoning and collaboration
Research skills

3. Critically assess the strengths and limitations of competing jurisprudential approaches.

Critical reasoning and collaboration
Reflection

4. Explain the conceptual and theoretical bases that inform the interpretation of statutes and legal instruments.

Research skills
Communication

5. Analyse and evaluate differing methods of statutory, constitutional, and international treaty interpretation in a range of legal contexts.

Research skills

Legal databases with access to statute and case law

Barnes J, Dharmananda J and Moran E, Modern Statutory Interpretation: Framework, Principles and Practice (Cambridge University Press 2023)

Bindra NS, NS Bindra’s Interpretation of Statutes (12th edn, LexisNexis Butterworths 2017)

Bix B, Jurisprudence: Theory and Context (9th edn, Carolina Academic Press 2023)

Calnan R, Principles of Statutory Interpretation (Oxford University Press 2023)

Christie G, Jurisprudence, Text and Readings on the Philosophy of Law (4th edn, West Academic Publishing 2020)

Eskridge W, Brudney J and Chafetz J, Legislation and Statutory Interpretation: Concepts and Insights (3rd edn, Foundation Press 2021)

Freeman MDA, Lloyd’s Introduction to Jurisprudence (9th edn, Sweet & Maxwell 2014)

Note: The editions shown above are the most recent at time of writing but students should use the most recent edition at time of study.

This module comprises two integrated components. The first component introduces you to jurisprudential theories, providing a foundation in the philosophy of law. It enables you to revisit prior legal knowledge and understand the rationale behind the emergence of laws in the context of socio-political and economic developments. You will critically analyse the relationships between various theories and consider their strengths and criticisms.

The second component focuses on statutory interpretation, examining the nature and importance of interpreting legislation, the intention of the legislature, and the key rules, aids, and presumptions used in legal interpretation. Statutes serve as a primary source of law, establishing legal rights and obligations and provide a framework for governance. The module emphasises how courts interpret statutes to uphold the law consistently with legal principles, constitutional requirements, and the specific context of each situation.

If you wish to take the Bar Examination, knowledge of these two areas will an added advantage, as Sri Lanka Law College mandates students to pass both Jurisprudence and Statutory Interpretation to obtain the attorney – at – law qualification.