"The central ambition of legal theory is to expose the inner logic of law, including its political, cultural, and philosophical bases - to understand the meaning of the law on a level that transcends outward appearances. In a time of crisis and change, as lawyers and policy makers seek out solutions to vexing and sometimes monumental problems, this aspiration is absolutely crucial." - Professor Ahmed White

Colorado Law offers a wide variety of legal theory courses taught by a nationally renowned faculty.  Not only is the study of theoretical perspectives – and the greater understanding such study brings – valuable for its own sake, but a strong theoretical grounding also enables lawyers to understand the broader social, economic, and intellectual patterns that shape doctrine and define its functions.  Theory thus helps lawyers develop arguments and strategies, especially when ambiguities in doctrine and novel legal problems demand innovative approaches.  For similar reasons, a sound grounding in legal theory also enhances lawyers’ effectiveness as political and community leaders.

Illustrative courses

Critical Theory Colloquium









Faculty membersÂ