EPQ: Is there a moral obligation to follow the law?

EPQ: Is there a moral

obligation to follow the law?

Thanks for listening - any questions?

Did I achieve my aims?

In terms of meeting my objectives, which outlined earlier, I can say that I have successfully achieved all of those aims. Over the course of my project, I was able to find in detail a variety of perspectives about the fundamentals of Legal Philosophy and directly apply these principle to numerous examples within society, such as the often overlooked element of trustworthiness in a business transaction. Lastly, I was able to come to a balanced conclusion in which all possible aspects of Moral Obligation in relation to the Law was explored.

Analysis of the Findings of my Sources

Why did I choose this as my topic?

1. General Consensus within my questionnaire

2. Linking this to applications in real UK laws such as Human Rights and the controversy surrounding the legal death penalty in areas of the US.

Evaluating my sources:

Initial Ideas

1. Future Career Options

2. Related passions

3. A genuine interest in the Law

My initial ideas when starting the EPQ were larger areas, such as a topic in criminal Law, or human rights and morals. I decided against doing history because although it is a highly favoured subject, I wanted to study law at university and felt like a Law EPQ was more focused and impressive. Unlike History, I have not studied it at A levels. I wanted to distinguish myself from other individuals taking the EPQ by choosing a challenging topic.

Final Reflections

In terms of evaluating my sources, I had to consider the reliability, the authenticity and the content of the source. For Example, Joseph Raz' dissertation on General Obligations and Concepts contained alot of information and was reliable as Raz is a prominent philosopher about the subject.

Secondary Research

I highly recommend the EPQ as it has allowed me to explore something that I thoroughly enjoy and am passionate about. It has given me an insight into the philosophy of Law and how it is reflected in our contemporary society. In this sense, the EPQ, although challenging, has been invaluable.

1. PDF document from the Duke Law Journal that provided an interesting perspective about Legal Philosophy and essentially helped 'set the scene' for the application of morals in Practical Laws.

2. Journals and Articles online which helped me to estalish Moral Obligations in Business Law and Civil Law.

3. Began reading debates about controversial topics such as the death penalty where morals directly collide with the Law.

Planning

1. Idea of completing my EPQ in sections.

2. Using the Summer to the best of my ability.

3. Use of the internet to find articles, journals and dissertations on similar subjects.

4. Use of primary data.

5. The ways I was able to record any developments over the course of my EPQ.

Main Focus

What research has been undertaken and why?

I undertook the Extended Project Qualification with the intention to either explore a topic related to Law or history - my two passions - in order to not only seem eager towards any potential university course, but to seem independent and capable of conducting detailed research and analysis.

1. Several different books and journels written by different philosophers such as Joseph Raz and John Austin.

2. Websites such as the 'Judicial Learning Site' and the 'Keep Calm Talk Law' platform.

3. Watched documentaries on YouTube.

4. Did a small questionnaire.

The Questionnaire

Overview of Project

What is the essay actually about?

1. Do you agree with the death penalty and why?

2. Under what circumstance would you consider it okay to break the Law?

3. Why do you follow the Law?

4. Do you believe that Religion and the Law should be separate?

1. The example of the traffic lights

2. The example of the friend in need

3. The Gratitude Argument

4. The Fair Play Argument

5. Idea of the 'seamless web'

6. Within Business Law and other areas such as Criminal Law

7. The 'Grey' area

8. Conflict

1. Choosing my topic.

2. Restructuring my question so I was able to come to an effective conclusion whilst simultaneously making my topic slightly less diverse.

3. Decided to choose Law as it is a great passion of mine and is something I will be motivated to complete.

4. Asking fundamental questions.

5. Taking a philosophical perspective.

6. Applying these views onto practical Law - such as Civil Law, Criminal Law, Human Rights Laws and even Business Law.

7. Considering the other side of the argument - are there any Laws that directly contrast against Morals?

My aims and objectives

1. To establish the fundamentals of Legal Philosophy, and the general arguments for and against moral obligations.

2. To apply this to practical Laws in various aspects, such as Civil Law and Criminal Law.

3. To find a variety of interesting perspectives and sources.

4. To come to a balanced conclusion that directly answers my question.

Reviewing my project: Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

1. My essay title allowed me to explore a several interesting topics within the Law, such as Civil Law, Criminal Law and Business Law.

2. Explored a variety of different sources and evaluated the various perspectives of key Legal Philosophers such as Austin, Raz and Rawls.

3. I managed to be concise yet evaluative in my essay, eventually coming to a balanced conclusion.

What lessons have I learnt from undertaking the EPQ?

Weaknesses

1. Time Management: Over the Course of the EPQ I only worked on it in big chunks due to procrastination, making it difficult to pick up where I left off.

2. Finding Primary Sources: Although I have some primary sources, I found it difficult to find sources from Lawyers themselves, despite emailing for opinions.

3. Corrboration: If I were to take the EPQ again I would meet up with my supervisor more for advice and help.

1. Time management

2. How to analyse and evaluate a variety of sources

3. Balanced cross examination of resources

4. The importance of planning and reflection once the EPQ is finished