Scepticism in law

Who is Scepticism in law?

Scepticism in law has arisen in late nineteenth century, not merely as a protest against idea of natural law, but also as a reaction against formalism of legal positivists. Legal Scepticism, is also commonly known as Legal Realism. This is an inept label in the context of philosophy because the word 'realism' is also used for school of thought founded by Plato and his followers. Therefore some prefer the word 'scepticism’.

The word 'realist' is inept in the context of philosophy because American legal sceptics are also against the philosophy of Plato and his followers. The reason for this preference for the use of word 'scepticism' is not only that this word is used in the writings of sceptic jurists themselves, but also that this word is suitable in the context of history of philosophy.