Law and Social Policy

Catalog description

An exploration of various dimensions of the relationship between law and social policy in contemporary U.S. society. In assessing how judicial opinions and legislative efforts affect social relations and institutional arrangements, inquiry is focused upon: (1) the ways in which social problems become defined as legal issues; (2) the forces which shape the initiation and ultimate formulation of legislative acts designed to affect public policy; (3) the role which cultural values and assumptions play in framing legal arguments and influencing judicial opinions and remedial programs; (4) the issue of compliance and the ways in which it is measured and enforced, and (5) the strengths and limitations of the law as a means of achieving specific social policy objectives.