LLAW3256 Socio-Legal Theory

2020

4.5

1 x 2-hour seminar weekly

1 Admission into BLAWLP-Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice
1a Admission into BLAWLPR-Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice
1b Admission into BLAWLPRG-Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Graduate Entry)
1c Admission into BLAWLPRH-Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Honours)
1d Admission into BLAWLPRGH-Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Graduate Entry) (Honours)
1e Admission into BLAWS-Bachelor of Laws
1f Admission into BLAWSH-Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
1g Admission into BLAWSG-Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry)
2 18 units of second year LLAW topics
3 1 of LLAW2221, LLAW3312
4 1 of CRIM1102, LEGL1201, CRIM2301, LEGL2117
5 1 of PHIL1060, SOCI1001
Must Satisfy: (((1 or 1a or 1b or 1c or 1d or 1e or 1f or 1g) and 2 and 3) or (4 and 5))

LLAW3501 has been successfully completed

This topic will explore the different theoretical traditions which provide a deep understanding of the nature and role of law in contemporary society. It will introduce students to forms of legal theory which focus on understanding law as a self-contained institution but, more importantly, will consider theories which critique the separation of law from its social contexts. Topics to be studied include: the analytical tradition of jurisprudence; critical legal theory; legal pluralism; sociological approaches to law; legal consciousness studies; materialist legal theory; and law and geography.

The topic aims to:

• promote an understanding of the nature and social context of law
• enhance skills of critical thinking about law, and the ability to see law in its relationship to a complex world
• develop an understanding of the significance of socio-legal theory to a deep understanding of law and legal institutions

On completion of this topic, students will have:

• an understanding of social and philosophical critiques of law
• a good working knowledge of several different socio-legal theories
• a creative attitude to understanding law and legal institutions at a deep level
• the ability to construct a sound theoretical argument in the context of either a research essay or an oral presentation, or both