Law, Society, and Justice Administration

Catalog description

In this course, students will explore the complex relationship between law, society, and the administration of justice, analyzing how legal systems and social forces interact to shape criminal justice outcomes. Unlike traditional legal studies that focus solely on statutes and case law, this course takes a critical view, examining the discretionary power of key legal actors such as judges, police officers, legislators, and attorneys. Students will learn how these individuals and institutions are not only influenced by societal norms and political pressures but also how they function as mechanisms of social control and enforcement.Throughout the semester, we will cover a variety of topics including legal mobilization, law and social change, processes of criminalization, systemic inequality, and the role of law in maintaining or challenging power structures. The course will also address contemporary developments in the justice system, providing students with a relevant understanding of law's role in modern society.Lastly, a unique feature of this course is its emphasis on real-world examples and case studies to explore how broader social factors such as race, gender, and class influence the creation, implementation, and application of law. This approach offers a contrast to traditional jurisprudence by focusing on "law-in-action" - how the law is actually practiced on the streets and in the courtrooms - rather than just "law-on-the-books."