This famous metaphor describes the central importance of jurisprudence to the study and practice of law.
The phrase "jurisprudence is the eye of the law" is commonly attributed to the political scientist and jurist Harold Laski.
The metaphor suggests that jurisprudence provides the necessary insight, understanding, theory, and perspective to truly comprehend the nature and functioning of law.
Just as the eyes allow us to see and make sense of the world, jurisprudence allows lawyers, judges, and students to understand the underlying principles, concepts, and theories that give law its meaning and context.