Law, Justice, and Society: A Sociolegal Introduction

Film and television interpretations of the legal system have captured the imagination of the American public, but how does the law really work? More specifically, how does it shape other social institutions and interact with other academic disciplines? Blending legal studies with social science, Law, Justice, and Society: A Sociolegal Introduction, Second Edition, addresses these issues from a distinctive sociological point of view.

Renowned scholars Anthony Walsh and Craig Hemmens cover many important subjects including the origins of the law, the history and development of the American legal system, the sociology of law, court structure, and the difference between civil and criminal law. Updating coverage for the second edition, the authors also discuss many new topics (legal realism, distributive and procedural justice, the politics of law and the legislative process, restorative justice, and gay marriage and the Defense of Marriage Act).

An accessible, lively, and affordable overview of the law, its eventful history, and its sociological implications, Law, Justice, and Society, Second Edition, is ideal for introductory law and society courses in political science, sociology, and criminal justice and legal studies departments.

FEATURES OF THE NEW EDITION

* Presents a brand-new chapter on the limits of social control and the law (Chapter 10)

* Covers gender, race, and comparative law (the only text in this market to cover all three)

* Integrates enhanced pedagogical features throughout (a detailed table of contents; chapter outlines; lists of key terms; lists of relevant websites; and new tables, charts, and graphics)

* Adds coverage of many new topics:
-- John Rawls's theory of justice (Chapter 1: Law: Its Function and Purpose)
-- Environmental justice (Chapter 7: Civil and Administrative Law)
-- Punishment philosophies (Chapter 9: The Law and Social Control)
-- Social movements (Chapter 11: The Law and Social Change)

* Incorporates discussion of the Obama administration into Chapter 13: Racial Minorities and the Law

* Supplemented by a comprehensive Instructor's Resource CD (available to adopting instructors), which contains a Test Bank and PowerPoint-based lecture slides

Anthony Walsh is Professor of Criminal Justice at Boise State University.

Craig Hemmens is Department Head and Professor, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Missouri State University.