SAN PABLO COLLEGES
College of Law
San Pablo City, Laguna
Course Title: JD 111 – Philosophy of Law
Course Description: This course explores the historical foundations of law, the various
schools of legal thought that have influenced its evolution, and the fundamental purpose of
law and legal education. It involves a philosophical examination of the nature of law and
reviews classical, modern, and contemporary legal theories. Additionally, it aims to cultivate
in students a thoughtful, balanced, and critical perspective towards the law and its
institutions, including legal education.
Course Objectives: At the end of the semester, students shall be able to:
1. understand and critically analyze the historical foundations of law and the nature of
legal philosophy, examining the evolution of legal thought from classical to
contemporary theories, and how these have influenced the structure of the
Philippine legal system;
2. explore and evaluate various schools of legal thought, modern legal theories, and
their applications to key legal concepts such as law and government, law and
morality, law and equality, and law and justice, fostering a nuanced understanding of
these relationships; and
3. cultivate a reasoned, balanced, and critical approach towards the law and its
institutions, including legal education, by engaging with topics such as crime and
punishment, torts and damages, and the interplay between legal philosophy and
practical legal education, with a specific focus on the Philippine context.
Professor Information: Atty. Aimee Joy A. Javilagon || 09685003960
[email protected] || FB: Aimee Javilagon
Course Schedule: Monday (1LA) / Wednesday (1LB) || 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
DATE SESSION TOPICS/ACTIVITIES
July 8 Preliminary Considerations
July 10 - Philosophy and Law
- Nature of Philosophy
- Reason and the Spirit of the Law
- Brief History of the Law
Value of Legal Philosophy
July 15
July 17
Schools of Thought
July 22
July 24
July 29
July 31 Law and Government
August 5 The Structure of our Legal System
August 7
SAN PABLO COLLEGES
College of Law
San Pablo City, Laguna
August 12
August 14
Crime and Punishment
August 19
August 28
August 21 Ninoy Aquino Day
August 26 National Heroes Day
September 2 Midterms
September 4
September 9
September 11
Law and Morality
September 16
September 18
September 23
September 25
Law and Justice
September 30
October 2
October 7
October 9
Law and Equality
October 14
October 16
October 21
October 23
Torts and Damages
October 28
October 30
November 4
Finals
November 6
Course Material: Philosophy of Law (Atty. David Robert C. Aquino)
Grading Policies:
1. Final Grade Computation:
Class Standing (Midterms)
Attendance 10%
Recitation 15%
Midterm Examinations 25%
Class Standing (Finals)
Attendance 10%
Recitation 15%
Final Examinations 25%
Total 100%
SAN PABLO COLLEGES
College of Law
San Pablo City, Laguna
2. If a scheduled examination is missed, a special examination may be requested with
approval from both the professor and the Dean.
3. Special, removal, and reconsideration examinations shall not be allowed except for
clearly exceptional and meritorious reasons, which shall be subject to the approval
of the Dean.
4. A grade of Incomplete (INC) is given only if a midterm or final exam is missed for a
valid reason. It automatically converts to failing mark if not completed within five (5)
months.
5. All grades shall be deemed final. Inquiries pertaining to grades must be submitted in
writing, addressed to the Dean, explicitly stating the grounds therefor, and must be
made within five (5) class days following the notice of release of said grades. Such
inquiries shall be referred to the professor concerned for comment prior to the Dean's
final determination.
6. Students are strictly prohibited from communicating directly with the professor,
verbally or in writing, whether personally or through intermediaries, regarding any
request for reconsideration of grades. Violation thereof shall be reported by the
professor to the Dean and shall mean automatic denial of the request.
Class Policies:
1. Punctuality and Attendance:
a. Students are required to be punctual and sign in promptly upon receiving the
videoconference link.
b. Tardiness of twenty-five (25) minutes by the student for every one (1) hour of
the subject class hours shall be considered as an absence.
c. Whenever a student has been absent for three consecutive meetings, a report
shall be sent by the professor to the Dean for proper disposition.
d. When the number of unexcused accumulated absences reaches 4 meetings,
the student shall be given a failing grade.
2. Preparation: Students are expected to thoroughly read and study the required
materials to enhance active participation and learning before attending classes.
SAN PABLO COLLEGES
College of Law
San Pablo City, Laguna
3. Dress Code:
a. Students shall maintain a professional appearance befitting the respect and
dignity of the legal profession.
b. Smart casual attire is required for daily classes, applicable for both in-person
and online sessions.
c. Specific dress codes for other activities will be communicated based on their
nature.
d. The professor reserves the right to deny admission or mark absent students
who are not dressed appropriately.
4. Professional Decorum:
a. Students are expected to demonstrate behavior befitting the legal profession,
including integrity, good judgment, and courtesy. Dedication to study and
maintaining a respectful demeanor are essential.
b. Respect for Faculty and Administration:
i. Students must stand when a professor or school administrator enters
the physical classroom, or when called to recite.
ii. In online classes, students should be seated attentively at the start of
the session. All faculty members and school personnel must be
addressed with due respect.
c. Peer Interaction:
i. Students are required to treat their classmates and schoolmates with
respect and dignity, fostering a harmonious academic environment,
whether in-person or online.
ii. Students are expected to abstain from side conversations and
maintain focus on class activities.
d. Video and Audio Etiquette:
i. Videos must be turned on to enhance engagement and visibility for
both the professor and other members of the class. Cameras must be
positioned in an environment conducive to learning for a clear view.
SAN PABLO COLLEGES
College of Law
San Pablo City, Laguna
ii. Microphones must be muted during the lesson to prevent disruptions
from background noise. Students shall unmute only when necessary,
such as when called to recite, following proper protocol.
e. Use of Technology:
i. Electronic devices shall be used appropriately during class.
ii. In virtual settings, students shall ensure their technology functions
properly before the class begins.
iii. During in-person classes, phones and other devices must be silenced
to prevent disruptions.
ALAC Method of Answering Exams
1. Answer: Directly address the question. Provide a clear and concise answer to the
question posed.
2. Law/Legal Basis: Identify relevant laws. Clearly state the legal principles, statutes, or
case law that apply to the issue.
3. Application: Apply the law to the facts. Demonstrate how the identified legal
principles apply to the specific facts of the problem.
4. Conclusion: Restate your answer in light of the application, providing a clear and
definitive conclusion.
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“The leading rule for the lawyer, as for the [person] of every calling, is diligence.”
- Abraham Lincoln
(Happy Aral!)
