jurisprudence Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the branch of philosophy concerned with the law and the principles that lead courts to make the decisions they do
    legal philosophy; law.
  2. noun the collection of rules imposed by authority
    law.
    • civilization presupposes respect for the law
    • the great problem for jurisprudence to allow freedom while enforcing order

WordNet

Ju`ris*pru"dence noun
Etymology
L. jurisprudentia; jus, juris, right, law + prudentia a foreseeing, knowledge of a matter, prudence: cf. F. jurisprudence. See Just, a., and Prudence.
Definitions
  1. The science of juridical law; the knowledge of the laws, customs, and rights of men in a state or community, necessary for the due administration of justice.
    The talents of Abelard were not confined to theology, jurisprudence, philosophy. J. Warton.

Webster 1913