Towards a New Theory of Adjudication

This book explores the major theories of common law adjudication and presents a new theory of adjudication.

It shows that the existing major theories of common law adjudication each capture only part of what occurs in actual court proceedings. It presents a new theory of adjudication that incorporates both useful and modified elements of these theories. The new theory itself comprises two parts: first, an attitudinal aspect based on institutional values; and second, a number of practical and theoretical factors which give concrete expression to those values. Throughout the book, the author draws on his prior experience both as a law professor and as a judge in his country's highest appellate court in order to provide a unique perspective that illustrates this new theory.