Kelsens Pure Theory of Law from the Perspective of Globalization

Abstract

This essay attempts to critically look at Kelsens pure theory of law and pyramid model of legal order(der Stufenbau der Rechtsordnung) from the perspective of globalization. The stream of globalization has changed the face of legal order: legal plurality, inter-legality spread out, retreat of legal formalism, advent of soft law and legal particularism, and accordingly it has become increasingly difficult to put limitations on how far each domain of regulation covers. It is my belief that this in fact reflects how the lines between domains in the pyramid are becoming hazy. In this essay I will briefly look at the particular features of Kelsens legal theory; afterwards, the limitations of the pyramid model, the retreat of the state law centrism following globalization. Under this light, I will attempt to demonstrate that legal autonomy and purism as asserted by Kelsen cannot be maintained easily. We can but say that law is only partially enveloped by the pyramid model.