This book presents a theoretically driven and research oriented vision of the sociology of law on the basis of a discussion of the major accomplishments in this sociological specialty since its initial formulation by the classics and its further development in the era of modern and contemporary sociology. A model of the sociology of law is offered that is driven by the central theoretical questions of the sociological discipline as they have been addressed since the classic contributions in the works of Max Weber and Emile Durkheim as well as their maturation throughout the history of sociology. This discussion thereby also addresses a variety of selected empirical themes that have been fruitfully addressed in sociological research on law and that have contributed to our understanding of the place and role of law in society.

Reviewing the history and systematics of the sociology of law from its beginnings to its present state, the scope of this book may be immodest. Yet, the objectives of this work are precise: it seeks to reveal the value of the manner in which sociologists study the structures and processes of law and law-related phenomena. The materials presented in this book present both theoretical and thematic discussions, including chapters on classical contributions in the sociology of law, modern and contemporary theoretical perspectives, the place and role of law in relation to other important social institutions, including economy, politics, culture, and social structure, and selected problems in relation to the enforcement of law and its globalization.