Sociology of Law
Visions of a Scholarly Tradition

This book presents an analysis of the sociology of law, combining theory with a range of empirical issues.

Mathieu Deflem (Author)

9780521857253, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 28 February 2008

360 pages
23.4 x 15.9 x 2.6 cm, 0.7 kg

'Sociology of Law: Visions of a Scholarly Tradition is a heavily programmatic book, packed with brief summaries of key figures in the sociology of law wth corresponding biographical sketches. … the book's encyclopaedic breadth is admirable and the author, Mathieu Deflem, an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology of the University of South Carolina, is to be congratulated on not dismissing theorists all-too often ignored. For those keen on following up on the summarised works and some of their accompanying contemporary treatments, Deflem has constructed a website (www.socoflaw.net), which contains an impressive collection of links to online resources. … Teachers in law and sociology faculties alike will find Deflem's book a useful resource.' The Cambridge Law Journal

Since the classic contributions of Weber and Durkheim, the sociology of law has raised key questions on the place of law in society. Drawing together both theoretical and empirical themes, in this book Mathieu Deflem reviews the field's major accomplishments and reveals the value of the multiple ways in which sociologists study the social structures and processes of law. He discusses both historical and contemporary issues, from early theoretical foundations and the work of Weber and Durkheim, through the contribution of sociological jurisprudence, to the development of modern perspectives to clarify how sociologists study law. Chapters also look at the role of law in relation to the economy, politics, culture, and the legal profession; and aspects of law enforcement and the globalization of law. This book will appeal to scholars and students of the sociology of law, jurisprudence, social and political theory, and social and political philosophy.

Introduction: sociology, society, law
Part I. Theoretical Foundations of the Sociology of Law: 1. Law and the rise of the social sciences
2. Max Weber on the rationalization of law
3. Emile Durkheim on law and social solidarity
Part II. Development and Variations of the Sociology of Law: 4. The theoretical move towards the sociological study of law
5. From sociological jurisprudence to sociology of law
6. Sociology of law and the antinomies of modern thought
Part III. Sociological Dimensions of Law: 7. Law and economy: the regulation of the market
8. Law and politics: the role of democratic law
9. Law and integration: the legal profession
10. Law and culture: the balance of values through norms
Part IV. Special Problems of Law: 11. Social control: the enforcement of law
12. The globalization of law
Conclusion: visions of the sociology of law.

Subject Areas: Law & society [LAQ], Jurisprudence & philosophy of law [LAB], Crime & criminology [JKV], Social theory [JHBA], Sociology [JHB], Social & political philosophy [HPS]