Jurisprudence is a subject that significantly differs from other
branches of law. In Latin Juris signifies legal and Prudentia signifies
knowledge. Thus, in a broader sense Jurisprudence means the basic knowledge of
law. Jurisprudence is the study of the nature, function and general ideas of
law. In Jurisprudence one studies the fundamental legal principles.
The Latin term Juris which means legal has further given a lot of terms
apart from Jurisprudence. Terms such as Jurist, Jurisdiction, Jury, Juristic
etc. stem from the single Latin term Juris. Thus, the term juris and the
understanding of the term is very important.
Though Latin is not a widely spoken language today but yet a lot of
Latin terms are still used when it comes to the legal field. The Latin terms
are still useful, relatable and effective even today.
In Latin, Juris means legal and Prudentia means knowledge. The subject of Jurisprudence is not only concerned with what is law but also with why should we have law in the society. The theoretical nature of law is understood through jurisprudence.
There is no exact, concise, perfect or precise definition of the term law. In jurisprudence we study the various perspective from which the term law and the various concepts that are a part of law are looked upon by the eminent jurists. Jurisprudence deals with the abstract and general nature of law. Thus, jurisprudence is a vital aspect of legal study.
Jurisprudence gives one an in-depth understanding of how law is looked upon from different perspectives. It aids in understanding various concepts of law such as right, ownership, possession etc. The subject is the basis for understanding law.
