JURISPRUDENCE

DR. RAM MANOHAR LOHIYA NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY

SYNOPSIS

“ANALYSIS OF JEREMY BENTHAM: THE LAW AND UTILITY PRINCIPLE”

SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY:

DR. SHAKUNTALA DEVI HARSHA RAO BHARTI

PROFESSOR, LAW ENROLMENT NO.- 210101051

DR. RAM MANOHAR LOHIYA NATIONAL BA. LL.B.(HONS.), VTH SEM

LAW UNIVERSITY, LUCKNOW SECTION-A

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CHAPTERIZATION
1. Introduction
2. Bentham’s definition of law
3. The will of the sovereign
4. Benthem’s disdain for common law
5. Conclusion
6. References

INTRODUCTION
The project aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of Jeremy Bentham's influential work on legal
philosophy, focusing on the concept of the utility principle as a foundational element in his theory of
law. Jeremy Bentham, an eminent English philosopher, jurist, and social reformer, made significant
contributions to the fields of ethics, jurisprudence, and political philosophy during the 18th and 19th
centuries. Central to Bentham's legal philosophy is the principle of utility, which posits that the
morality and legitimacy of laws and institutions should be determined by their ability to promote the
greatest happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people. This project seeks to provide a
nuanced understanding of Bentham's utilitarian approach to law and its implications on
contemporary legal thought and practice.

OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of this project are:

a. To explore the life and intellectual development of Jeremy Bentham, highlighting key biographical
elements that influenced his legal philosophy. b. To provide a comprehensive overview of Bentham's
core concepts, including the utility principle, the principle of greatest happiness, and the principle of
utility as applied to legislation and policy-making. c. To analyze the influence of Bentham's ideas on
subsequent legal thought and jurisprudence, examining both their positive contributions and potential
criticisms. d. To assess the applicability and relevance of Bentham's utility principle in contemporary
legal contexts, considering its implications for issues such as human rights, criminal justice, and
social policy.

METHODOLOGY

The project will employ a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from primary sources, secondary
literature, and comparative legal analyses.

CONCLUSION

The proposed project seeks to delve into the intricate details of Jeremy Bentham's legal philosophy,
with a specific focus on the utility principle. By examining the historical context, core concepts, and
contemporary relevance of Bentham's ideas, this analysis aims to contribute to a deeper understanding

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of the intersection between utilitarian ethics and legal theory. Ultimately, the study aims to highlight
the enduring influence of Bentham's work on the development of legal thought and its potential
applications in addressing pressing legal and ethical challenges in the modern world.