SOC 455 - Sociology of Law

After a brief history of legal sociology during the past century, this course pursues a highly theoretical approach to the prediction and explanation of legal behavior. The primary focus is the legal case—a specific conflict between the parties. What is the social status of each, and the cultural distance that separates them? What is the social location of the third parties, such as the judge or jury members? How to these variables predict and explain the way a case is handled, such as the judge or jury members? How do these variables predict and explain the way a case is handled, such as whether it goes to court and, if so, who wins and what happens to the loser? Although the scope of course is cross-cultural and historical, law in modern America receives disproportionate attention. (Y)

Prerequisites & Notes
Prerequisite: Six credits of sociology or instructor permission.

Credits: 3