Smith's Lectures on Jurisprudence, originally delivered at the University of Glasgow in 1762-1763, presents his "theory of the rules by which civil government ought to be directed." The chief purpose of government, according to Smith, is to preserve justice; and "the object of justice is security from injury." The state must protect the individual's right to his person, property, reputation, and social relations.

Building on his Theory of Moral Sentiments, Smith argues that the state must act as an impartial spectator, judging when an individual has been injured. The state must then design and apply civil and criminal laws to prevent further injuries and punish transgressors. Laws are also the means by which the state promotes public prosperity. Thus, regulations concerning trade, commerce, and production must be crafted so as to encourage rather than interfere with our productive capacities.

Item Information Item Information

Format: TradePaperback
Author: Smith, Adam
ISBN: 9780865970113
Condition: Used
Dimensions: 9.00 x 1.60
Number Of Pages: 618
Publication Year: 1982

Lectures on Jurisprudence

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