jogimorális

Jogimorális is a term used primarily in Hungarian legal philosophy to describe the moral dimensions of law and legal reasoning. The word blends two concepts: "jogi" meaning law-based and "morális" meaning moral. It addresses the question of how legal norms and institutions should align with ethical principles and societal values. The term came into prominence in the late twentieth century as scholars explored the limits of positivist legal theory—particularly Hans Kelsen’s pure theory of law—and the need to acknowledge moral content in the creation, interpretation, and application of legal rules.

Key areas of discussion within jogimorális scholarship include the legitimacy of law, the role of human rights, procedural fairness, and the relationship between legal duties and moral obligations. One major debate concerns whether and how normative judgments—such as the moral correctness of a law—can be incorporated into a legal system without undermining its rational, formal structure. Proponents argue that law is inevitably guided by moral considerations, while critics caution that mixing law and morality may conflate distinct rationales and lead to unpredictability in courts. From a comparative perspective, jogimorális echoes similar debates in anglophone and continental law traditions, such as the legal realism movement in the United States and the critical legal studies movement in the United Kingdom.

In practice, the concept influences judicial decision-making and legislative drafting, encouraging lawmakers and judges to reflect on the broader ethical consequences of their actions. It also informs interdisciplinary research connecting law, philosophy, political science, and sociology. While the term is most widely recognized in Hungary, its themes resonate with global discussions about the moral legitimacy of the law.