Making sense of evil law

Lukina, Anna ORCID: 0000-0002-1112-8806 (2025) Making sense of evil law. Law and Philosophy. ISSN 0167-5249

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Abstract

In this paper, I seek to introduce, define, and ultimately defend the concept of ‘evil law’. Firstly, I look at the reasons – both theoretical and moral – why using the concept of evil law is valuable. Secondly, I argue that evil law is distinct from merely bad or unjust law and can be defined as law, which, if interpreted in its best light, will inflict or enable intolerable harm (including atrocities) to victims themselves. Thirdly, I claim that evil law is indeed law despite objections based on both its external and internal immorality. Fourthly and finally, I reject the challenge that using the vocabulary of evil law is empty at best and dangerous at worst.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2025 The Author
Divisions:	Law School
Subjects:	K Law B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
Date Deposited:	21 Jul 2025 16:22
Last Modified:	29 Oct 2025 08:36
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/128898

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