Since the classic contributions of Weber and Durkheim, the sociology of law has raised key questions on the place of law in society. Drawing together both theoretical and empirical themes, in this book Mathieu Deflem reviews the field's major accomplishments and reveals the value of the multiple ways in which sociologists study the social structures and processes of law. He discusses both historical and contemporary issues, from early theoretical foundations and the work of Weber and Durkheim, through the contribution of sociological jurisprudence, to the development of modern perspectives to clarify how sociologists study law. Chapters also look at the role of law in relation to the economy, politics, culture, and the legal profession; and aspects of law enforcement and the globalization of law. This book will appeal to scholars and students of the sociology of law, jurisprudence, social and political theory, and social and political philosophy.

‘Mathieu Deflem's book is a most timely overview of the sociology of law. It brings together a vision of the classical tradition before attending to a comprehensive survey of recent contributions to what has become an increasingly diversified field. He lays the basis for a fruitful engagement between these different strands. Participants will be more aware of the interacting visions of the field and will, hopefully, talk to each other again.’

Alan Hunt - Chancellor's Professor, Carleton University

‘A most welcome immodest effort carried out with aplomb and clarity in the best tradition of scholarship! A learned book that takes ideas and students seriously in demonstrating the intertwining of theory and significant empirical topics within a distinctly sociological perspective. Necessary reading for anyone seeking a systematic and comprehensive introduction to the sociology of law.’

Gary T. Marx - Massachusetts Institute of Technology

‘Mathieu Deflem’s cross national vision, much less confined by national and language barriers than most work, will greatly inspire the social scientific study of law. His firm roots in general sociology advance insights that are too easily lost when new speciality areas seek refuge in niches neatly separated from their mother disciplines. I highly recommend this book to advanced undergraduate students, graduate students and scholars alike.’

Joachim J. Savelsberg - Professor of Sociology, University of Minnesota

‘Until now, all of the diverse and valuable contributions to sociology of law have been scattered across the academic landscape. Mathieu Deflem organizes, synthesizes, and makes sense of them - so they can be used more effectively for the sociological study and understanding of law in society. If I were teaching a graduate seminar on the sociology of law, the first book assigned would be this one.’

R. E. D. Schwartz - Senior Research Scholar, Yale Law School

‘Deflem reviews major accomplishments in the field and reveals the value of multiple ways in which sociologists study the social structures and processes of law, discussing both historical and contemporary issues.'

Source: The Times Higher Education Supplement

'Sociology of Law: Visions of a Scholarly Tradition is a heavily programmatic book, packed with brief summaries of key figures in the sociology of law wth corresponding biographical sketches. … the book's encyclopaedic breadth is admirable and the author, Mathieu Deflem, an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology of the University of South Carolina, is to be congratulated on not dismissing theorists all-too often ignored. For those keen on following up on the summarised works and some of their accompanying contemporary treatments, Deflem has constructed a website (www.socoflaw.net), which contains an impressive collection of links to online resources. … Teachers in law and sociology faculties alike will find Deflem's book a useful resource.'

Source: The Cambridge Law Journal