Length: 1,200 words

First Essay Assignment Context Questions: What were the issues to be decided by the judges in the case of Riggs v. Palmer? What arguments did the Majority judges make to support their decision? What arguments did the Dissenting judge make to support his decision? How did each of the Majority and Dissenting judges view the judge's role of interpretation? Whichposition do you agree with?What connections can be drawn between the judges' reasoning and philosophical/ legal theories covered during the course?Be sure to draw upon two of the following three legal theories: Legal Positivism, Natural Law Theory or Interpretivism in your answer. Be comprehensive in your discussion of the reasoning of the judges and the connections to the theories.

Core Question: Which of the two positions (i.e., either the majority or the dissenting judges) makes the strongest and most persuasivecase, and why. Be sure to provideargumentation in support of your position.