Overview of Course

This course explores the sociological understandings of law and legal institutions. We will discuss theoretical perspectives and explore empirical studies on the relationship between law and society, the relationship between law and social norms, the relationship between language and law, the “law in action” in various social contexts, the role of lawyers, judges and other intermediaries, and the role of law in social change. The course aims to give students a comparative perspective of law and legal institutions by exposing students to not just the classic approaches to law and society but the differences and similarities in other countries. Law and legal institutions outside the United States can be both very different and, at times, surprisingly familiar. We will address questions such as: Why do societies have law? What is the relationship between law and social norms or values? Is law a mechanism for coordinating human activity toward the common good, or a vehicle for conflict and oppression? When does law stabilize society, and when does law promote social change? Is everyone equal under the law or does the law provide more resources to some social groups than to others? Although sociological perspectives are emphasized, this course takes an interdisciplinary approach that also includes anthropology, political science, and legal scholarship.