Introducing critical legal theory, rights and responsibilities

‘The purpose of this chapter is introductory. This is not the introduction to the book but serves as an opportunity to outline many of the ideas and concepts which are unpacked in subsequent chapters. What is critical legal theory? What is a right? What classifications of rights are there? Do human rights apply only to living beings? or do they apply to past and/or future beings? even other species, such as sentient animals? Are rights conferred only on an individual? or are they conferred on collections of individuals? even groups in their own right? What is the nature of a responsibility arising from a right? Can a responsibility exist without a right? Can a right exist without a responsibility? Upon whom is a responsibility imposed? These are some of the questions which this chapter poses and answers, in brief, since many of the more important ideas and concepts explored in this book are revisited, in depth, later on.