Sociology of Criminal Law examines the dynamic relationship
between law and the society in which it is embedded. Major ideas on the nature
of law will be highlighted; theoretical paradigms for examining the nexus between
law and society will be reviewed. In addition, law will be examined both as
a dependent variable and as an independent variable, as we
look at those social factors which shape the law (dependent) and at the effect
of law on society (independent). In addition, some of the key components of
the legal system in the United States will be examined.. Within this broad framework,
several "issue areas" will be addressed. Our focus in this course is primarily
on criminal law,though other areas of law will be examined as well.
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