Visualisation of Hans Kelsen’s Pure Theory of Law

Abstract

Hans Kelsen’s Pure Theory of Law is among the most prominent and influential legal theories. Kelsen’s book (1967) contains neither logical notation nor pictures, only text. In spite of this, our impression is that Kelsen himself had a very clear imagination. We make an attempt to visualise his theoretical models because it is important for legal informatics. Explicit visualisations of the structures of law and their theoretical representations are significant for the development of legal ontologies. Visuals also contribute to legal education and an understanding of the law that is expressed in a non-textual mode. In particular, the legal machinery has a non-textual effect in legal situations.