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Sociology of Law
By
Mathieu Deflem
Description
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, 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.
• A systematic discussion of the
sociology of law • Will appeal to sociologists and to legal
scholars working on jurisprudence and law and society •
Discusses both historical and contemporary topics, and combines
theory with empirical issues
Contents
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.
Reviews
‘Mathieu Deflem\\\'s book is a most
timely overview of the sociology of law. It brings together a vision
of the classical tradition before attending to a comprehensive survey
of recent contributions to what has become an increasingly
diversified field. He lays the basis for a fruitful engagement
between these different strands. Participants will be more aware of
the interacting visions of the field and will, hopefully, talk to
each other again.’ Alan Hunt, Chancellor\\\'s Professor, Carleton
University
‘A most welcome immodest effort
carried out with aplomb and clarity in the best tradition of
scholarship! A learned book that takes ideas and students seriously
in demonstrating the intertwining of theory and significant empirical
topics within a distinctly sociological perspective. Necessary
reading for anyone seeking a systematic and comprehensive
introduction to the sociology of law.’ Gary T. Marx,
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
‘Mathieu Deflem’s cross
national vision, much less confined by national and language barriers
than most work, will greatly inspire the social scientific study of
law. His firm roots in general sociology advance insights that are
too easily lost when new speciality areas seek refuge in niches
neatly separated from their mother disciplines. I highly recommend
this book to advanced undergraduate students, graduate students and
scholars alike.’ Joachim J. Savelsberg, Professor of Sociology,
University of Minnesota
‘Until now, all of the diverse
and valuable contributions to sociology of law have been scattered
across the academic landscape. Mathieu Deflem organizes, synthesizes,
and makes sense of them - so they can be used more effectively for
the sociological study and understanding of law in society. If I were
teaching a graduate seminar on the sociology of law, the first book
assigned would be this one.’ R. E. D. Schwartz, Senior Research
Scholar, Yale Law School
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