What does jurisprudence primarily study?

Jurisprudence primarily studies legal systems and principles because it is concerned with the theoretical underpinnings of law. This field explores the nature of law, legal reasoning, and the fundamental principles that govern legal systems. Jurisprudence seeks to answer critical questions about the role of laws in society, the essence of justice, and the relationship between law and morality. It provides a framework for understanding how laws are established, interpreted, and applied within various legal contexts.

While legal enforcement processes focus on how laws are implemented (which is a crucial aspect of the legal system), jurisprudence delves deeper into the concepts behind the laws rather than just their application. The economic impacts of law examine how legal regulations affect economic behavior, but this falls under a different area of study, known as law and economics. Similarly, historical legal cases, while important for understanding the development of legal principles, are more focused on the practical application and evolution of law, rather than its theoretical foundations. Thus, the study of legal systems and principles encapsulates the core of what jurisprudence aims to investigate.