Question

Who authored the book The First Principles of Jurisprudence

• A. Salmond
• B. Black Stone
• C. Austin
• D. Winfield

Hint:

When faced with questions about book titles in jurisprudence, associate each major jurist with their magnum opus: Austin with "Province of Jurisprudence Determined," Kelsen with "Pure Theory of Law," Hart with "The Concept of Law," and Salmond with "Jurisprudence."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the author of a foundational work in jurisprudence. This requires knowledge of the major works of prominent legal philosophers. While there are several books with similar titles, the question likely refers to the spirit and content of the works by the jurists listed.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Sir John Salmond was a renowned jurist from the Analytical school. His famous work, "Jurisprudence, or the Theory of the Law," is known for its systematic and analytical approach, breaking down legal concepts into their fundamental components or "first principles." His treatment of legal concepts like rights, possession, and personality is considered foundational. While the exact title "The First Principles of Jurisprudence" is more famously associated with other authors not listed (like W.N. Hohfeld or Sir William Markby), within the given choices, Salmond's work is the one most closely aligned with an exposition of the 'first principles' of the subject.
- John Austin authored "The Province of Jurisprudence Determined," which is famous for its command theory of law.
- Sir William Blackstone wrote the "Commentaries on the Laws of England," a comprehensive treatise on English common law.
- Winfield is a leading authority on the Law of Torts.
Given the options, Salmond's structured and elemental approach in his major work makes him the most plausible answer.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The author most fittingly associated with a work on the first principles of jurisprudence among the given options is Salmond.