Introduction: The need for re-examination. Part 1 Bentham's utilitarianism: a differential interpretation; the consistency of the dual standard; the convergence of interests; the development of Bentham's position. Part 2 Bentham on the nature of law: the imperational theory of law; motivation and control.

'The received interpretation of Bentham's utilitarianism is challenged and a reinterpretation is presented and defended with lucidity and force...This reinterpretation will be essential reading for any serious student of Bentham's philosophy.' Law Quarterly Review `The book is clearly written, scrupulously documented; it confronts possible objections and acknowledges its own weak points in a way that makes it excellent reading even for those unfamiliar with the philosophical literature on Bentham ... Lyons does well to phrase his arguments with modesty and care, for this book is a startling corrective of many of the common assumptions about Bentham's thought.' Political Theory 'His comments are fair and judicious ... the original argument is striking for its rigour and seriousness, and Lyons's book has encouraged a number of scholars to examine more carefully the philosophical arguments surrounding the principle of utility and the theory of law. In this sense, the reprint of the original book is a welcome addition to current attempts to re-interpret Bentham's ideas in numerous fields.' F. Rosen, University College of London, Utilitas