The Expressive and the Communicative Functions of Law, Especially with Regard to Moral Issues

W. van der Burg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

30 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this article, I argue that law has two often neglected functions; the expressive and the communicative functions. They are especially important for legislation on moral issues, such as biomedical ethics and anti-discrimination law. The communicative function of law is a complex one; law may create a normative framework, a vocabulary to structure normative discussions, as well as institutions and procedures that promote further discussion. The expressive function of law is at stake when it expresses which fundamental standards, which values are regarded as important. The recognition of these functions is not only important for descriptive purposes; it is also fruitful for normative theory.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)31-59
Number of pages29
JournalLaw and philosophy
Volume20
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 2001

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  • Een communicatieve benadering van wetgeving

    Witteveen, W. J. (Researcher), van Klink, B. M. J. (Researcher), van der Burg, W. (Researcher), Hertogh, M. L. M. (Researcher) & van Schooten, J. (Researcher)

    1/01/0031/12/04

    Project: Research project

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