The sociology of law

Abstract

Intensified efforts to determine the subject matter and research aims of the sociology of law have clarified ideas in the last 12 years. These ideas were, at the beginning, rather diffuse and abstract, as can be seen in Friedmann's report. Admittedly, there is much room for subjective opinions even now for in actuality every important author still creates his own sociology of the law. Yet, by and large, some consensus seems to have been established on certain points. Therefore, at the beginning of our report, a brief résumé of current opinions must be given. This cannot be done without subjectivity, but on the other hand it is necessary to avoid an endless discussion of the different conceptions of what sociology of law can be.