Books by Brian Z. Tamanaha

Sociological Approaches to Theories of Law applies empirical insights to examine theories of law proffered by analytical jurisprudents. The topics covered include artifact legal theory, law as a social construction, idealized accounts of the function of law, the dis-embeddeness of legal systems, the purported guidance function of law, the false social efficacy thesis, missteps in the quest to answer 'What is law?', and the relationship between empiricism and analytical jurisprudence. The analysis shows that on a number of central issues analytical jurisprudents assert positions inconsistent with the social reality of law. Woven throughout the text, the author presents a theoretically and empirically informed account of law as a social institution. The overarching theme is that philosophical claims about the nature of law can be tested and improved through greater empirical input.

On the surface, law schools today are thriving. Enrollments are on the rise, and their resources are often the envy of every other university department. Yet behind the flourishing facade, law schools are failing abjectly. This resource is suitable for assessing what's wrong with law schools and figuring out how to fix them.