Law and Society

Catalog description

Law is a common and yet distinct element of daily life in modern societies, and not only shapes society but is also shaped by society. The creation, interpretation, and enforcement of laws occur in the context of historical changes, societal norms, and the subjective concerns and whims of those charged with its creation. Utilizing an interdisciplinary perspective, the course will explore the nature of law as a set of social systems, central actors in the system, legal reasoning, and the relationship of the legal form and reasoning to social change. By the end of the course, students should be able to evaluate the law and legal institutions, especially in relation to equality, justice, and fairness, and understand how law is involved in the processes of social control, social conflict, and social change. Credit Hour : 1-3