This book argues that classical natural law jurisprudence provides a superior answer to the questions “What is law?” and “How should law be made?” rather than those provided by legal positivism and “new” natural law theories. What is law? How should law be made? Using St. Thomas Aquinas’s analogy of God as an architect, Brian McCall argues that classical natural law jurisprudence provides an answer to these questions far superior to those provided by legal positivism or the “new” natural law theories. The Architecture of Law explores the metaphor of law as an architectural building project, with eternal law as the foundation, natural law as the frame, divine law as the guidance provided by the architect, and human law as the provider of the defining details and ornamentation. Classical jurisprudence is presented as a synthesis of the work of the greatest minds of antiquity and the medieval period, including Cicero, Aristotle, Gratian, Augustine, and Aquinas; the significant texts of each receive detailed exposition in these pages. Along with McCall’s development of the architectural image, he raises a question that becomes a running theme throughout the book: To what extent does one need to know God to accept and understand natural law jurisprudence, given its foundational premise that all authority comes from God? The separation of the study of law from knowledge of theology and morality, McCall argues, only results in the impoverishment of our understanding of law. He concludes that they must be reunited in order for jurisprudence to flourish. This book will appeal to academics, students in law, philosophy, and theology, and to all those interested in legal or political philosophy.

An essential reference for practitioners, emphasizing how legal concepts affect the process of bringing architectural vision to reality. Law for Architects: What You Need to Know guides design professionals through the daunting landscape where design and construction meet the legal system. It provides an introduction—written in clear, reader-friendly language—to issues that arise at every stage in the practice of architecture. For architects starting or building their own practice: Why do I need a written agreement with my clients? Why do I need insurance? How do I organize my firm? For seasoned architects considering retirement: How do I transfer ownership in my company? How can I benefit from the good will I helped to build? For students who want to learn more about the practicalities of starting out: Why is it important to have a license? Isn’t it enough to have a degree in architecture? What are my rights as an employee? It also addresses the perennial questions that concern architects: How do I protect myself from being sued? How do I protect my intellectual property rights in my work? and much more. Law for Architects identifies the legal issues that lurk in every corner of your design practice and helps you figure out what questions you need to ask.

The Architecture of Law Courts explains the history, development and function of law courts, illustrating nearly 100 court buildings with in depth studies of 37 new law courts of the 21st century, which between them have won nearly 50 national and international design awards. It is a guide for the judiciary and architects around the world on how to design excellent law courts, but is also a fascinating guide for anyone interested in architecture and in this rarely published group of public buildings.

The sixth edition of this classic text (written primarily for senior and graduate level architecture, engineering, construction management, and law students) provides a bridge between the academic and real worlds. The text is also a valuable reference for practitioners and it has been cited in over twenty-five court decisions. The sixth edition has been updated to include the most up-to-date information on new developments in the legal aspects of architectural, engineering, and the construction processes.

Previous ed.: Oxford: Elsevier Architectural, 2004.