Law and Society
A Sociological Approach

First Edition

James J. Chriss - Cleveland State University, USA

Other Titles in:
Sociology of Law

October 2019 | 280 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

This text introduces students to the study of law from a sociological perspective by focusing on four themes: the relationship between law and society; law in everyday life; the role of race, class and gender in the legal system; and current political debates that are connected to law. While explaining the essentials elements of law, and drawing on scholarly literature and relevant cases, the author does not advocate for normative views on law and the legal system. The text compares laws across various societies, discusses international law, and demonstrates how the laws of certain countries affect those of others--providing readers with insights into the nature of law within any society.

Preface

Opening Thoughts

Acknowledgments

List of Reviewers

About the Author

Chapter 1. Law and Society: An Overview

Introduction

From Savagery to Civilization: A Brief Overview

What Is Law?

What Is Sociology?

The Norm Continuum

Cooperation and Conflict

Law and Everyday Life

Critical Analyses of Law

Social Justice and Constitutionalism

Conclusion

Notes

Chapter 2. Fundamentals of Law and Society

Introduction

Substantive and Procedural Law

Private and Public Law

Common Law

Trifles

Jurisprudence

Sociolegal Thinkers

Notes

Chapter 3. Sociologists of Law: Classical and Contemporary

Introduction

Contemporary Sociologists of Law

Notes

Chapter 4. Criminal Law

Introduction

Burden of Proof

Presumption of Innocence

Mens Rea and Actus Reus

Legal Defenses: Exemptions, Justifications, and Excuses

The System of Federalism

Eighteenth Amendment: The Criminalization of Drinking

The Case of Hate Crimes

Factors in Crime Reporting

Notes

Chapter 5. Civil Law

Introduction

Obligations

More on Legal Control

Collegial Formations and Authoritarian Drift

Conclusion

Notes

Chapter 8. Hunting and Forest Laws

Introduction

Forests: A Brief History

Law and Public Policy

Forest Fires and Forest Policy

Radical Environmentalism

Notes

Chapter 9. Are Judges Biased?

Introduction

Research Evidence on the Question of Judicial Independence

Justice Stevens and Six Constitutional Amendments

Notes

Chapter 10. Law School and the Legal Profession

Introduction

Historical Antecedents to the Law School

The Idea of a Profession

Applying to Law School

The Goals of Law Schools

Passing the Bar

The Changing Composition of Law School

Professional Ethics

First-Year Law Training: The Socratic Method

Conclusion

Notes

List of Legal Cases

References

Index

The benefits of [this book] are the excellent and contemporary coverage of different types of law (especially problem-solving courts), critical themes including a separate chapter on law and equality, and the focus on the important interrelations between legal and political (state) institutions. The case studies in the chapters are interesting, contemporary, and highly relevant. Further, the future of law and trends is put in historical context and projected to the future. This is highly beneficial for students to be able to get exposed and see demonstrated theoretical and analytical tools, their application, and most importantly, their utility.

Sanjay Marwah

CSU-East Bay