ABSTRACT
If knowledge of law is envisaged as propositional knowledge – that is to say, as a matter of rules, principles and (or) norms – then this
suggests that facts are independent, or relatively independent, of this body of knowledge. One talks of rules existing as a distinct body even if this distinct body is in turn envisaged as a social fact itself.2 This is not to suggest, of course, that rule theorists deny any close link between law and society. Often it is quite the opposite; law is envisaged as arising out of social fact.3 Yet the point that needs stressing is that the rule model envisages law as text (written or even unwritten general principles) and thus the role of the lawyer is one of applying these texts – these rules and principles – to factual situations.
