b. 1943
Michael S. Moore is an American legal philosopher and criminal law theorist known for his rigorous defense of moral realism in jurisprudence. He has made foundational contributions to theories of retributive justice, criminal responsibility, and causation in law. His work argues that legal concepts like culpability and desert track genuine moral facts rather than mere social conventions.
Developed a comprehensive retributivist theory of criminal punishment in 'Placing Blame' (1997)
Defended moral realism as the proper foundation for legal interpretation and criminal liability
Produced a systematic treatment of causation and responsibility in law in 'Causation and Responsibility' (2009)
Advanced the philosophy of action as applied to criminal act requirements in 'Act and Crime' (1993)
Contributed influential analyses of the relationship between psychiatry and legal responsibility
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