Deconstruction involves the hiearchical opposition, followed by the temporary reversal of the hiearchy. We thus seek to expose the metaphysics of presence
Violence inherent in our construction of meaning/words
Need to do our best to understand where the person subject to judgment is coming from, as words can mean different things to different people
Justice occurs in the form of the individual before the judge
Foundation of law is posited and not strictly legal
Fresh judgment
Law and interpretation
If law is the text of the sovereign, then what is the role of judges and lawyers
Bentham and Hobbes were concerned to reign in the common law. They both held that the interpretation should be done in accordance with the legislative intent. Judges only carry out this function.
Austin and Hart: there is no interpretation in the law
Law is a profession of words and text
Formalism: Rules apply themselves
Realism: policy and principles underpin law
Dworkin
Judicial interpretation is neccessary, but should be constrained to hard cases
There is a laways a right answer within the seamless web
Hercules: superhuman, skill and learning
Rules v Policy
Judges should consider popular morality
Even in hard cases, it's the judges job to figure out the rights of the parties
Hart
JI is not necessary in easy cases, but is needed in hard case
Law is brought about by judges. But we need certainty
Open texture of law
Penumbra
Rejects formalism because you can't predict the future