The Empire of Law: Dworkin's Concept of Integrity

This article provides a thorough analysis of Ronald Dworkin's thought, focusing on his groundbreaking work, "The Empire of Law." The author explores the concept of legal integrity, which transcends the traditional debate between positivism and natural law. A key element of this discussion is the figure of the ideal judge, Hercules, who, through the method of constructive interpretation, strives to find coherence in the legal system. The text explains the difference between rigid rules and flexible principles, treating the latter as individual "trump cards." The metaphor of a chain novel serves to illustrate the adjudicative process as a continuation of a communal narrative. The reader will also learn about the concept of "semantic bite" and how the process of adjustment and justification legitimizes state coercion in a democratic society.