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Law and Society

SOC 596
Black and white photo of scales of justice

Professor: Jose Atiles

Meets: Wednesdays 1:00-3:50 pm

This course discusses major issues and debates in the fields of law and society and socio-legal studies. This course covers the theory and practice of legal and political institutions in performing several major functions at the local, national, and transnational levels, such as: allocating authority, enabling social control, defining relationships, resolving conflict, adapting to social change, and fostering social solidarity. In examining these functions, the course will assess the nature and limits of law, consider alternative perspectives on law, and discuss various ways to structure legal processes.