Abstract
This paper discusses the limits of legal theory, especially Robert Alexy’s defence of the Radbruch Formula and its implications on the concept of Law. Antigone, the tragedy by Sophocles, has been widely used in legal texts and can bring a different perspective in the construction of the following critique. First the tragedy is analysed in its context, plot and characters. Later the role of the Guard – a secondary character – is discussed considering the Radbruch Formula which states that extreme injustice is not law. Historical data will demonstrate that, in actual tyrannies, no unique theoretical tool is used but different legal perspectives served resistance throughout history. Finally, while criticizing Alexy’s defence of the Formula, the difficult position of resisting unjust law is considered while it is presented an approach regarding human rights education as an alternative to the formality of Alexy`s account.
Keywords:
Radbruch’s Formula; Antigone; Robert Alexy; Resistance; Human rights education