PHIL 217 Conflicts of Law and Morality

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An examination of the relationship between the law and our society’s moral norms where the two overlap, and where conflicts arise between “unlawful” but not necessarily “immoral” conduct and immoral but not necessarily illegal conduct. Readings will include philosophical essays and legal cases concerning issues such as: the philosophical bases of legal obligation; causing harm and giving offense; justifications of civil disobedience and conscientious objection; freedom for “hate speech;” religious tolerance and intolerance; paternalistic legislation; abortion and euthanasia; the right to privacy; the death penalty and justifications of punishment; the law of war; the role of the jury and the ethical responsibility of judges and lawyers.