https://at-ceu.studyguide.timeedit.net/modules/UGST4268?type=COREIs our legal system based on a shared moral core - for example, a divine ruling, or the basic values shared by a community - or is it based on social facts which are independent of morality? In what way do our moral norms justify punishment, and set the boundaries of what can, or must be criminalized? For example, should acts which harm only the actor (drug-abuse, attempted suicide) be criminalized by the state? Should behaviour which is immoral, but harms no-one, be punished? Should punishment be mitigated by the perpetrator's disadvantaged socio-economic background? This course investigates these and similar questions. The aim of the course is to explore the boundaries of the law: we shall look at some of the factors, primarily in moral and social circumstances, which set limits on what should be legislated, or criminalized.