An Explanation and Criticism of Hofeld's Theory about Classifying Right

Hofeld's classification of right into four kinds and his way of defining the relations between them have exerted a considerable influence on the discussions about the analysis of right and its legal status in the West. As a result, a new logic about right has taken form inthe West. Due to the special importance of this theory, a large number of people in the 20th century set to criticize or to modify it, such as Harte, Waldron, Lyons and Wellman, etc. After this thory had been translated into Persian, a number of Muslim philosophers including Ayatollah Jawādi Amuli engaged in critizing it. Also, some essays have been written in favour or against it by some learned people like Dr. Rāsikh, Dr. Nabawiyān and others. Having investigated the criticisms directed to this theory, the author concludes that, although some of the criticisms are unacceptable, the mentioned theory is subject to some weaknesses. Consequently, it is not reliable.