Rationale
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the central debates in sociology of law. This subject has developed into a branch of jurisprudence that is concerned with the origins, functions, workings and justifications of law in society and is often seen in contrast to analytical jurisprudence, which is more concerned with abstract legal concepts and the supposed normative science of law. Students will be able to demonstrate an ability to distinguish between these two broad schools. However, the module grants some emphasis to the contribution of sociology to our understanding of law. Students will explore the key thinkers in the sociology of law through readings from their original works. In addition, the module facilitates detailed engagement with the role of law in relation to issues such as gender, race, and social control and social change. This necessary allows an assessment of the wider implication and influence of the sociology bodies of legal thought often seen as distinct; feminism and law or feminist legal theory is an example, which is often lumped under critical legal studies. Students will be able to appreciate these connections and disconnections.