This course explores sociological thinking and evidence with respect to law. The course introduces sociological perspective on law and provides background on Canadian and international legal institutions. We explore key elements of the concept of "law" and their relationship to justice, as well as theories of the social origins of law. The course also examines how people think about law, why they obey (or resist) the law, and when and why they use law or other options to resolve disputes. Finally, the course considers how law can be an effective tool for social change.
This course explores sociological thinking and evidence with respect to law. The course introduces sociological perspective on law and provides background on Canadian and international legal institutions. We explore key elements of the concept of "law" and their relationship to justice, as well as theories of the social origins of law. The course also examines how people think about law, why they obey (or resist) the law, and when and why they use law or other options to resolve disputes. Finally, the course considers how law can be an effective tool for social change.