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. 👉 Amazon - https://a.co/d/23ZEYXk 👉 Gumroad - https://mahelaliyanage.gumroad.com/l/... 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?