Rudolf von Jhering (1818-1892) was one of the leading Roman lawyers in nineteenth century Germany and famously developed a sophisticated methodology for the 'Begriffsjurisprudenz' (conceptual jurisprudence) of his time. At mid-career, however, he turned to a sociological and instrumentalist jurisprudence. His view of law as a product of social struggle and as a 'means to an end' shaped twentieth century legal thought in Germany and beyond, especially in the United States. Jhering's work is marked by an extraordinary richness of ideas and perspectives but also by deeply-rooted tensions and contradictions. It raises fundamental questions about the law's historical contingency, its legitimacy and the ultimate meaning of justice.

Legal education at the University of Freiburg i.Br.; 1978 1st, 1981 2nd State Exam; 1982 Dr. iur utr., University of Freiburg; 1983 LLM University of Michigan; since 1985 Professor of Law at the University of Michigan; 1995-99 Professur für Zivilrecht, Rechtsvergleichung und Rechtsgeschichte at the University of Trier; regular visiting professor at University of Freiburg; currently Hessel E. Yntema Professor of Law at the University of Michigan.