Austin Explained: Command theory of Law

📘 Interested in the deeper question: “What is Law?”
I’ve written a full book exploring legal theories — including Austin’s. It’s available on Amazon Kindle, paperback, and on Gumroad.
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Watch next - Positivism vs Natural Law -    • What is Law? Why do you follow Law? Positi...  

What is law? Is it moral… just… or simply a command backed by power?
In today’s episode, we unpack John Austin’s Command Theory of Law — one of the most influential foundations of legal positivism. Whether you’re a law student, researcher, or just curious about jurisprudence, this breakdown will help you understand exactly how Austin defined law, the sovereign, and sanctions — and why his ideas still spark debate today.

We’ll cover:
✔️ Austin’s definition of law as a command backed by sanctions
✔️ What “sovereign” means in Austin’s theory
✔️ Why he separated law from morality and religion
✔️ H.L.A. Hart’s major criticisms (including why not all laws are commands!)
✔️ Why Austin’s ideas remain relevant in modern legal theory

If you’re exploring legal philosophy, positivism, or preparing for jurisprudence exams, this episode will give you a clear, engaging overview.

💬 Tell us in the comments:
Is law really just a command backed by punishment — or is it something deeper?