Law serves society but what do we mean by law? What is it? What does it do and how can we recognise it? Law has something to do with rules; perhaps law consist of rules. But, not all rules are law. How can we differentiate legal rules from other rules, such as moral rules or social rules, rules of etiquette or reli­gious rules? Why do all societies have something we call law and when do we consider law oand/r societry just? This 100-level course in Social Sciences covers athese questions, which are brought together under the heading of ‘law as mankind's most important organizing principle.’ Unlike UCSSCLAW12 (Introduction to Law) the course is not an introduction to law in the books! Rather it is a course that seeks to take a critical perspective about how we can think about law, society and justice. Indeed, the premise is that to understand law demands understanding society . The course holds the belief that such a ‘contextual’ approach to study law allows for a meaningful discussion about justice and what it pertains to in contemporary society. 

 

Format
The format of the sessions varies. Great emphasis is put on the self-organisation of students. Hence, most session exists of either discussions on the literature, chaired by students or presentations by a group of students on the literature well prepared, also in written form (see below). Both are part of the evaluation and assessment process. In addition, there are lectures and plenary discussions, headed by me to introduce a new subject. There are also class assignments, such as a moot court and field trips.