Let's start to consider the "general theory of law" as a legal discipline by considering such a concept as "jurisprudence", since the former is an integral element of the latter.
Jurisprudence - in a general sense, is a general system of knowledge about the state and law, and in a narrower sense, jurisprudence is a set of various legal disciplines.
The entire set of these legal disciplines is divided into three categories:
1) historical and theoretical disciplines;
2) industry disciplines;
3) special disciplines.
General theory of law is a legal discipline of a historical and theoretical nature. Moreover, it occupies far from the last place in the general order. If expressed using metaphors, then we can say the following: if mathematics is the basis of the exact sciences, then the general theory of law is the basis of the sciences of a legal nature. On the basis of the provisions of the general theory of law, other legal sciences build their superstructures.
Thus, the general theory of law is a legal science that considers and studies society from the standpoint of state and law, as well as being the basis and starting base for other legal sciences in terms of formation, development and functioning.
The general theory of law consists of two directions:
1) State studies;
2) Jurisprudence.
However, it should be noted that their separate study is not allowed, since these directions are in close interdependent connection.
