1926 – 2004
Joel Feinberg (1926–2004) was an American political and social philosopher best known for his work in philosophy of law, moral philosophy, and individual rights. His four-volume work 'The Moral Limits of the Criminal Law' is considered one of the most important contributions to legal philosophy in the 20th century.
Authored 'The Moral Limits of the Criminal Law' (1984–1988), a landmark four-volume work in legal philosophy
Developed the harm principle as a refined liberal framework for criminalization
Distinguished harm from wrongdoing and offense in legal theory
Advanced influential work on rights, including the interest theory of rights
Shaped contemporary debates on paternalism, offense, and legal moralism