Rudolf von Jhering (1818-1892) was one of the leading Roman lawyers in nineteenth century
Germany and famously developed a sophisticated methodology for the "Begriffsjurisprudenz"
(conceptual jurisprudence) of his time. At mid-career however he turned to a sociological and
instrumentalist jurisprudence. His view of law as a product of social struggle and as a "means
to an end" shaped twentieth century legal thought in Germany and beyond especially in the
United States. Jhering's work is marked by an extraordinary richness of ideas and perspectives
but also by deeply-rooted tensions and contradictions. It raises fundamental questions about
the law's historical contingency its legitimacy and the ultimate meaning of justice.
