Rivers State University Journal of Public Law

Abstract
This paper examined Wesley Newcomb Hohfeld’s influential analysis of legal rights through a multi
methodological approach, integrating argumentation analysis, author analysis, and reflective
equilibrium. The argumentation analysis critically evaluates the logical structure of Hohfeld’s
framework, assessing its consistency and robustness while identifying strengths and potential
weaknesses in his distinctions between legal concepts. The author analysis situates Hohfeld’s work
within its historical and intellectual context, exploring his academic background, influences, and the
reception of his theories in legal scholarship. Finally, the study employed a reflective equilibrium,
aligning Hohfeld’s theoretical distinctions with practical legal applications to achieve coherence
between abstract legal principles and their real-world manifestations. By combining these
methodologies, the study offers a comprehensive understanding of the philosophical foundations of
legal rights and highlights Hohfeld’s lasting impact on contemporary legal thought and practice.

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