The preface of Hegel's philosophy of law ends with a memorable image: "When philosophy paints in gray on gray, a form of life has grown old, and with gray on gray it cannot be rejuvenated, but only recognized; the owl of Minerva begins its flight only with the onset of dusk." What is meant by this enigmatic statement? And what does it signify for the philosophy of law? While the first question has been pondered for ages, it has rarely been addressed why a word of such dignity finds its place precisely in the preface of the outlines of the philosophy of law. With the preface to the philosophy of law and its famous image of the owl of Minerva, Hegel not only crowned his system but also created its most visible point of attack. The justice that Hegel equates with reason becomes problematic.