Meaning of the term

Jurisprudence
How do you think the laws of our
current world came about? What
guides us to make this legislature and
ensure that it is fair and just? Here is
where the concept of jurisprudence
comes into the picture. Let us
understand the meaning and concept
and definition of jurisprudence.

To understand the meaning and the definition

of jurisprudence let us first see its etymology.
The word ‘jurisprudenceʼ is the English
derivation of the Latin word ‘jurisprudentiaʼ.
The translation of the word means the study,
knowledge or skill with regards to the law.

Over the course of history, there have been

many forms of the definition of jurisprudence.
Romans liked to call it the observation of all
things human, combined with the knowledge
of the just and unjust. Salmond defines it as
the science of the very first principles of civil
law.

It is also known as the science or philosophy

of positive law. There is no one correct
definition of jurisprudence, all of these are
correct in their own regard.

History of Jurisprudence

The concept of law and justice has its

beginning in the era of ancient Rome and
ancient India. And since these prehistoric
times to today in the 21st century, it has
evolved and grown through many stages.

Some of the first mentions of the concept of

jurisprudence are found in ancient Indian texts
known as the Dharmashastra texts. In these
times there was a great belief in the concept
of dharmas and morals.

Then in ancient Rome, the concepts

developed further. They had forms of
traditional law as we see today. Along with
this, citizens also abided by a body of oral
laws and customs and regulations.

The Roman empire leads to the rise of various

schools of law. The practice of law became
more advanced and academic.

Importance of the Study of

Jurisprudence

The study of jurisprudence is not only limited

to the development and evolution of law. The
academics who study jurisprudence also
make great contributions to the fields of other
social sciences like the political and social
fields. This leads to the overall development
of society.

The study of jurisprudence also helps

uncomplicate some of the concepts and
complexities of the legal world. It makes them
more manageable and rational and thus easier
to understand. This can also lead to a more
effective practice of law.

We often call jurisprudence the grammar of

the law. It will help a lawyer the basic ideas
and reasoning behind the written law. It helps
them better understand the fundamentals of
the law and help them figure out the actual
rule of the law.

The lawyer and judges can use jurisprudence

as a guide to correctly interpret certain laws
that require interpretation. The study of
jurisprudence does not serve only academic
purposes. It will help lawyers and other
practitioners in the practical world as well.

It sharpens their legal knowledge. Also, it

trains the mind to find alternate routes and
channels of thought in case of difficulty. The
law can mean more than one thing, and this
exploration is a direct effect of the study of
jurisprudence.

Solved Question on Definition of

Jurisprudence

Q: What are the two ways to study

jurisprudence?

Ans: There are two approaches when it comes

to the study and analysis of jurisprudence.
They are,

Empirical approach
A priori approach