DESCRIPTION:
This course introduces students to the interaction between law and society. The law never stands on its own. Every case before a court is influenced not only by the law and the facts of the case but also by the social statuses and relationships of the parties involved. Likewise, the content of laws and their interpretation are influenced by the structure and culture of society.
This course begins with a survey of various theoretical approaches to the study of law before moving on to empirical studies focused on the U.S. legal system. The final portion of the course deals with how the sociology of law can be used by those wishing to reform or find alternatives to the current legal system.
1. Introduction
2. The Sociological Movement in Law
3. Classical Sociology
4. Conflict Theory
5. Cultural Sociology
6. Labelling Theory
7. Pure Sociology
8. Criminal Law
9. Civil Law
10. Legislation and Moral Conflict
11. Legal Reforms and Alternatives