A closer look at the structure of legal norm GUK

About the project

GUK 2026

A closer look at the structure of legal norm

Number of the project:  UK/1110/2026

Principal Investigator:  Mgr. Marek Čiernik

The project A Closer Look at the Structure of a Legal Norm focuses on an in-depth theoretical analysis of the internal structure of legal norms using tools of formal logic, logical semantics, and selected linguistic approaches, which are subsequently confronted with traditional concepts of legal theory. The project critically reflects on the classical three-element structure of a legal norm (hypothesis – disposition – sanction), as well as on the so-called doubled structure of legal norms, both of which are understood as specific types of logical structures. The project is based on the assumption that a significant number of legal norms cannot be adequately characterized by the “classical” structural model, particularly in cases where the application of a sanction is replaced by the chaining of dispositions. Special attention is paid to the concept of disposition as the normative core of legal regulation, which remains underexplored in standard legal theory textbooks. Methodologically, the project primarily employs semantic and logical analysis of legal norms, examining the possibility of assigning truth values to dispositions even when they contain modal operators. The aim of the project is to contribute to a more precise theoretical understanding of the structure of legal norms and to foster interdisciplinary dialogue between legal theory, logic, and linguistics.