Law and Society

Abstract

Law and Society provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary introduction to how law operates within society and how social forces influence the development, interpretation, and application of law. Drawing on decades of teaching experience, Matthew Lippman examines the structure and function of legal institutions, including courts, legislatures, and administrative agencies, and explores both criminal and civil law in ways that highlight their impact on everyday life. The book also discusses pressing contemporary issues such as inequality, international human rights, privacy, surveillance, and social control, making it a widely used textbook for students in law, sociology, criminology, and social sciences.