NIKLAS LUHMANN’S LEGAL CONCEPTION

The article researches Niklas Luhmann’s theory that is one of the most interesting versions of sociological law interpretation. The author touches upon the key issues of this theory: what differentiates law from other parts (sub-systems) of society? Is legal system operatively close (like systems that reproduce themselves) or operatively open? He analyzes in detail the fundamental statements of Niklas Luhmann’s theory: the characteristics of legal system, the functions of law, its evolution as an autopoietic system, the role of courts in legal system of society, the relationship between politics and law.