Herbert Lionel Adolphus Hart (1907-1992) became a leading scholar in the field of legal philosophy after publishing his most influential work, The Concept of Law, in 1961. Hart was a foremost proponent of legal positivism.

Law Career

H.L.A. Hart was born on July 18, 1907, in Harrogate, England, the son of Jewish parents, Simeon, a wool merchant, and Rose (Samson) Hart. He received his early education at Cheltenham College and Bradford Grammar School. He then enrolled in New College, Oxford, where he studied under H.W.B. Joseph. Hart was an exceptional student, especially in the classics, ancient history, and philosophy. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1929 and was admitted to the bar in 1932. For the next eight years Hart practiced as a barrister in the Chancery courts of London. He established a successful legal office handling complex cases involving trusts, family settlements, and taxes. Although he was asked...