Between the founding discourse of law and the critique of legal knowledge

In collaboration with Al-Fikr

This interview from the Tunisian platform Al-Fikr welcomes Slim Laghmani, Professor Emeritus of Public Law and Political Science at the Tunisian University. A specialist in the founding discourse of the law of nations, he recently represented Tunisia before the International Court of Justice on issues relating to the occupied territories.

Slim Laghmani discusses the critique of legal knowledge and explores the notion of law's founding discourse. He distinguishes between the obligation to respect the law and the necessity to do so, while reflecting on the reasons that drive us to respect laws, even without external coercion.

Revisiting the history of legal ideas, he discusses the contributions of Aristotle and the rise of legal positivism in the 19th century. He also stresses the importance of considering law as a performative discourse, essential to its binding nature.

This discussion, which invites us to reflect on the nature of law and the role of the jurist in modern society, is moderated by Hatem Bourial, journalist, radio host, writer and cultural mediator; and proposed by Amira Zili.