Journal of Law and Society

Journal of Law and Society
Title	Journal of Law and Society
Discipline	Law, Sociology
Language	English
Editor	Cardiff University professors
Publisher	Wiley-Blackwell
Country	United Kingdom
Frequency	Quarterly
Impact	Social Sciences Citation Index, Scopus

Journal of Law and Society is a leading international peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research and analysis on the relationship between law and society, with a focus on sociology of law, criminology, and jurisprudence. The journal is published by Wiley-Blackwell and is edited by professors from Cardiff University, including Richard Nobles and David Schiff. It is indexed in major databases such as Social Sciences Citation Index and Scopus, and is considered a key publication in the field of law and society studies, alongside other prominent journals like Law & Society Review and Annual Review of Law and Social Science. The journal's editorial board includes renowned scholars such as Sally Engle Merry, Susan Silbey, and Bryant Garth.

Introduction

The Journal of Law and Society provides a platform for scholars to explore the complex interactions between law and society, including the ways in which law shapes and is shaped by social norms, power dynamics, and cultural values. The journal's focus on interdisciplinary research brings together scholars from a range of fields, including sociology, anthropology, history, and philosophy, to examine the role of law in shaping social justice, human rights, and democracy. This approach is reflected in the work of scholars like Pierre Bourdieu, Michel Foucault, and Judith Butler, who have all written extensively on the relationship between power, knowledge, and law. The journal's commitment to interdisciplinary research is also evident in its engagement with the work of scholars like Martha Fineman, Kathleen Sullivan, and Frank Michelman.

History

The Journal of Law and Society was first published in 1974 by Butterworths, a leading law publisher in the United Kingdom. The journal was founded by a group of scholars, including Philip Lewis and Maureen Cain, who were committed to developing a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between law and society. Over the years, the journal has undergone several changes in its editorial team and publisher, but its commitment to publishing high-quality research and analysis has remained constant. The journal has been influenced by the work of scholars like Karl Llewellyn, Eugen Ehrlich, and Roscoe Pound, who were all prominent figures in the development of sociological jurisprudence. The journal's history is also closely tied to the development of law and society studies as a distinct field of research, which has been shaped by the work of scholars like Harry Ball, Jerome Skolnick, and Stuart Scheingold.

Scope and Coverage

The Journal of Law and Society publishes original research and analysis on a wide range of topics related to the relationship between law and society. The journal's scope includes sociology of law, criminology, jurisprudence, and legal history, as well as more specialized areas like law and economics, law and psychology, and law and culture. The journal also publishes reviews of new books and other publications in the field, as well as occasional special issues on topics of particular interest, such as access to justice, human rights, and globalization. The journal's coverage of these topics is informed by the work of scholars like Gary Becker, Richard Posner, and Cass Sunstein, who have all made significant contributions to the field of law and economics. The journal's engagement with the work of scholars like Martha Nussbaum, Amartya Sen, and Michael Sandel also reflects its commitment to exploring the normative dimensions of law and society.

Editorial Process

The Journal of Law and Society has a rigorous editorial process that involves peer review and editing by a team of experienced scholars. The journal's editors, including Richard Nobles and David Schiff, work closely with authors to ensure that submissions meet the journal's high standards for quality and originality. The journal also has a large and diverse editorial board, which includes scholars from a range of disciplines and institutions, such as Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley, and London School of Economics. The editorial board provides guidance and support to the editors, and helps to identify new trends and areas of research in the field, including the work of scholars like Lauren Edelman, Kim Lane Scheppele, and Rogers Smith.

Impact and Reception

The Journal of Law and Society has had a significant impact on the development of law and society studies as a distinct field of research. The journal's publications have been widely cited and influential, and have helped to shape the research agendas of scholars in a range of disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, and history. The journal has also been recognized for its excellence, including awards from the Society for the Study of Social Problems and the Law and Society Association. The journal's impact is also reflected in its inclusion in major databases such as Social Sciences Citation Index and Scopus, and its reputation as a leading international journal in the field, alongside other prominent journals like Law & Society Review and Annual Review of Law and Social Science. The journal's engagement with the work of scholars like Duncan Kennedy, Morton Horwitz, and Robert Gordon also reflects its commitment to exploring the critical dimensions of law and society.

Notable Articles and Contributors

The Journal of Law and Society has published many notable articles and contributions over the years, including work by leading scholars like Sally Engle Merry, Susan Silbey, and Bryant Garth. The journal has also featured special issues on topics like access to justice, human rights, and globalization, which have included contributions from scholars like Upendra Baxi, Boaventura de Sousa Santos, and Yves Dezalay. The journal's commitment to publishing high-quality research and analysis has made it a leading platform for scholars to explore the complex interactions between law and society, and to develop new insights and perspectives on the role of law in shaping social justice, human rights, and democracy. The journal's engagement with the work of scholars like Upendra Baxi, Ran Hirschl, and Heinz Klug also reflects its commitment to exploring the comparative dimensions of law and society.

Category:Law journals Category:Social science journals Category:Peer-reviewed journals Category:Academic journals published in the United Kingdom