Legal Definitions - expository jurisprudence

Expository jurisprudence is the scholarly study of the contents of an actual legal system as it exists or once existed. It is also known as systematic jurisprudence. This branch of legal philosophy focuses on the fundamental elements of a particular legal system, as opposed to its practical and concrete details.

For example, a legal scholar studying the United States legal system would engage in expository jurisprudence by analyzing the fundamental principles and concepts that underlie the system, such as the separation of powers, due process, and equal protection under the law.

Another example would be a legal scholar studying the ancient Roman legal system, which no longer exists. They would engage in expository jurisprudence by analyzing the fundamental principles and concepts that underlay the Roman legal system, such as the Twelve Tables and the concept of natural law.

Overall, expository jurisprudence is concerned with understanding the underlying principles and concepts of a legal system, rather than the practical application of those principles in specific cases.