Theory of Law

The goal of the study program Theory of Law is to provide a comprehensive view of theoretical issues of legal science and to develop and deepen the prerequisites for independent scientific and pedagogical work in the field of law theory and other areas of legal science by acquiring a creative legal theoretical approach to legal phenomena and the ability of an analytical and synthesizing perspective on general and special questions in the field of legal theory and legal practice. Students will deepen their knowledge of legal concepts, legal categories, legal institutes and legal phenomena going beyond individual branches of positive law. In connection with traditional legal philosophical thinking, students will acquire current approaches and trends in the legal-theoretical and legal-philosophical thinking and a critical view of the legal area and its social context. The study also includes mastering methodological issues of legal science and acquiring the basics of scientific work and academic writing.

After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

• characterize the main legal-philosophical approaches in law and the basic concepts and categories of legal science;
• apply legal-theoretical and legal-philosophical thinking in solving legal theory and legal practice issues;
• develop scientific, research and creative activities and involve them in solutions science and research projects;
• master the requirements of independent creative scientific work;
• Identify new legal phenomena, problems and approaches in law and analyze them in terms of their social context and consequences;
• find and work with a wide range of information sources, including materials in at least one foreign language;
• link theoretical knowledge with their practical application in all basic areas of legal activities;
• use basic methodological procedures of legal science;
• manage public appearances on selected legal issues and apply certain pedagogical skills;
• understand the law in a broader social context.

Graduates of the degree program are profiled for professional work in the areas of legal science, research, legislation, judiciary, and other areas where a deep legal theoretical basis is needed. They can find an opportunity to work in a number of other professional areas that require qualified interpretation and application of legal regulations, in consulting activities, in state administration and in scientific and pedagogical work at universities and in teaching at secondary schools.

Practical training is not an obligatory part of the study plan.

The dissertation includes the results that the student has achieved during his studies in the doctoral study program. The work has formal and content requirements. Its minimum range is 150 pages, but at least 261,000 characters including spaces. The thesis contains the Czech and English versions of the abstract and the Czech and English versions of the keyword list. The work is submitted in Czech, Slovak or English language, with the consent of the Subject Board and in another language. It contains the original and published results or results accepted for publication. The student presents the results of solving a specific scientific or research task, which bring original and new knowledge. The dissertation is thematically focused on legal theoretical or legal philosophical topics and their processing demonstrates the prerequisites for scientific research work. The thematic focus of the doctoral theses is specified by the Subject Board of study program.