Summary Interpretation and Coherence in Legal Reasoning

The document, titled Interpretation and Coherence in Legal Reasoning, is an entry from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, first published in 2001 and revised in 2010. It explores the role of interpretation and coherence in legal reasoning, focusing on how judges and legal theorists interpret and apply the law. The entry discusses whether legal reasoning is unique to adjudication or applies more broadly, and examines the balance between conserving existing legal meanings and creating new interpretations. Key debates include the nature of interpretation, the role of coherence in judicial decisions, and whether legal reasoning can lead to a "one right answer." The document also critiques theories by prominent legal philosophers like Ronald Dworkin and Joseph Raz, addressing issues such as linguistic indeterminacy, the authority of law, and the value of coherence in legal systems. It is a comprehensive resource for understanding the philosophical underpinnings of legal reasoning, likely used in advanced law or philosophy courses.