The law, between source and foundation
Il diritto tra fonte e fondamento
Author
Castellano, Danilo
Abstract
This essay highlights that issues related to the sources of the law–especially in connection with their production–is normally considered immanent to the juridical order, by (positive-) law theorists. In other words, it could only be address from within the system, which should be seen as necessarily closed and absolutely self-referential. In this way, the issue of the foundation, which is posted by the juridical order itself, is altogether bypassed. The essay suggests that the expression ‘sources of the law’ is improper. Law, indeed, calls for a foundation, which can only be offered by justice. El ensayo evidencia cómo el problema de las fuentes del derecho, sobre todo de aquellas fuentes de producción, ha sido considerado por los juristas (positivistas) como una cuestión inmanente al ordenamiento jurídico. En otras palabras, sólo puede resolverse al interior del mismo sistema, siempre que se le considere algo necesariamente cerrado y absolutamente autorreferente. Se llega así a la cuestión fundamental del ordenamiento jurídico, en donde sostenemos que es impropio hablar de fuentes del derecho, dado que el derecho requiere de un fundamento que solo puede encontrarse en la justicia.