Course Code 2BAL307

Sociology III (Sociology of Law)

Course Coordinator: Dr. N. Bangkim Singh

Name of the Course:

NIRMA UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF LAW

SOCIOLOGY III (Sociology of Law)

COURSE CODE: 2BAL307

COURSE MODULE
COURSE: B.A .LL.B (Hons)
SEMESTER III
JUNE 2013 TO NOVEMBER 2013

Course Coordinator
Dr. N. Bangkim Singh
Assistant Professor
Institute of Law
Nirma University

Odd Semester: June to November, 2013

Course Code 2BAL307

Sociology III (Sociology of Law)
Course Coordinator: Dr. N. Bangkim Singh

Name of the Course:

Nirma University
Institute of Law
Ahmedabad

Objective: The objective of the proposed-syllabus for the B.A., LL.B. (Semester III), Sociology
course, titled SOCIOLOGY OF LAW is a purposeful activity to equip the students of law the
relationship which the legal system of a society has with its other subsystems. Law is not only
proliferated and continues to expand in its mission to impart practice to the masses but also
exhibits complexities in its professional front. In the words of Madhava Menon, the challenge of
socially relevant legal education today is to find ways and means to enable the future lawyers to
enlarge the base of his expertise with those developed by behavioural scientists so that he can
fully and competently perform the social mission of law as designed by the Constitutions of States
and international declarations. As law is not universal and homogenous institution in character, it
varies in terms of text and context. Keeping this in mind the proposed syllabus has been
formulated to enhance the knowledge of the law students the multiple dimensions of law and its
unfolding contents in larger perspective. The syllabus contains not only theoretical but also
practical needs correspond to the emergence, development and unfolding facets of law as a
subsystem which will enrich the students in a better and meaningful way in their future career. In
overall the following objectives can be inferred:
1. To gain an understandingof the relationships legal subsystem is having with other social
system;
2. To enhance students to basic sociological theoretical perspectives on the creation and
application of law;
3. to acquire an understanding of the different paradigms and theories apply in different time
and space.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this course students will be able to know:
a foundation-level knowledge of the principal schools of thought in sociology of law;
how to appreciate and employ the theoretical discourse of socio-legal studies;
how contemporary legal institutions operate, including the use of possibilities in our court
system and community;
how to critically assess the varying concepts of legal deliverance involved in the
contemporary relationship between individual and group.

Odd Semester: June to November, 2013

Course Code 2BAL307

Sociology III (Sociology of Law)
Course Coordinator: Dr. N. Bangkim Singh

Name of the Course:

Teaching method:
1. Lecture and Discussion Method
2. Noting-down of class lectures and discussion.
3. Written test

Bare Syllabus
Unit-I Sociology of law
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Meaning, Scope & Subject Matter

Evolution of Legal System
Law in relation to Social Order in India
Law as a Means of Social Control.
Sources of Laws
Folkways
Customs
Conventions
Judicial Decisions

Unit II Legal practice as profession

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Legal Practice as Profession

Profession and Professionalisms
Professional Socialization of Lawyers
Relationship between Law and Society
Sociology of Legal Profession

Unit III Law as an instrument of social change

1.
2.
3.
4.

Definition and functions of of Law

Necessity of change in Law
Law as an Instrument of Social Change
Application to law and its social needs

Unit IV Sociological thought on law

1.
2.
3.
4.

Karl Marx- Law as a part of Super Structure

Max Weber- Law of legitimacy Rational legal and Traditional laws,
Emile Durkheim on Law and Social Solidarity
Sociological Jurisprudence

Unit V Sociological dimensions of law

1. Law and Economy
2. Law and Politics: The Role of Democratic Law
3. Law and Culture: The Balance of Values Through Norms
Odd Semester: June to November, 2013

Course Code 2BAL307

Sociology III (Sociology of Law)
Course Coordinator: Dr. N. Bangkim Singh

Name of the Course:

Unit VI Crime against women

1.
2.
3.
4.

Sexual Crime
Matrimonial Offence
Offence relating to dowry and dowry death
Violence against women

Unit VII Law and Subaltern classes

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Gender
Scheduled Tribe
Scheduled Caste
Other Backward Classes
Minority

Component Weightage
Course
Code

2BAL203

Course
Title

Sociology
III

Teaching
Scheme
(Hrs./Week)

Credit Evaluation Scheme

SEE

CE

SEE

3.0

0.4

0.6

Examination
Component
Hours
weightage

Course Module: Lesson/Teaching Plan (Total Lectures-59)

Unit

No. of Lectures

1- Sociology of Law

(Last week) June, 2013

II- Legal Practice as Profession

(First and Second weeks) July, 2013

III- Law as an Instrument of Social Change

(Third and fourth weeks) July, 2013

IV- Sociological Thought on Law

(Fourth weeks) July, 2013 & (First week)
1. Karl Marx: Law as a part of superstructure
September, 2013
2. Max Weber: Law of legitimacy rational legal and
traditional legal

Odd Semester: June to November, 2013

Course Code 2BAL307

Sociology III (Sociology of Law)
Course Coordinator: Dr. N. Bangkim Singh

IV- Sociological Thought on Law

3. Emile Durkheim on law and social solidarity
4. Sociological jurisprudence
V- Sociological Dimensions of Law
VI- Crime against Women
VII- Law and Subaltern Classes

Name of the Course:

(Second and Third weeks) September,

2013
Fourth week of Spetember and First weeks
of October, 2013
(Third week and Fourth week of October,
2013)
(First and Second weeks) November, 2013

Semester End Examination

21th November, 2013

Total Planned lectures in Semester III=47 + 12 PW= 59

Unit I: Sociology of Law

Clifford-Vaughan, Michalina and Margaret Scotford-Norton. 1967. Legal norms and social order:
Petrazycki, Pareto, Durkheim. Vol. 18. The British Journal of Sociology.p269-277+369.
Cotterrell, Roger.2007 (2nd ed). The Sociology of Law: An Introduction. New Delhi: Oxford
University Press.p89-91.
Deva, Indra (ed.). 2005. Sociology of Law. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. p1-30.
Gandhi, J.S. 2004. Law, State and Society: Indian Context. Jaipur: Rawat Publications.p21-37 &
163-176.
Mayhew, Leon. 1966. Sociology of Law.Working Papers of the Center for Research on Social
Organization, Department of Sociology University of Michigan.
Sheskin, Arlene.1978. A critical review and assessment of the sociology of law. Vol. 3(2). MidAmerican Review of Sociology.p109-124.
Singh, M.P. 2010 (8th ed. Reprint). Outlines of Indian Legal & Constitutional History. New Delhi:
Universal Law Publishing Co.p.186-195.
Strathern, Marilyn. 1985. Discovering 'Social Control'. Vol.12 (2). Journal of Law and Society.
P111-134.
Vago, S. 1981. Law and Society. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. p39-43.

Unit II: Legal Practice as Profession

Baxi, Upendra. 1986. The Pathology of the India Legal Profession. Vol. 13 Ind. Bar. Rev. p455484.

Odd Semester: June to November, 2013

Course Code 2BAL307

Name of the Course:
Sociology III (Sociology of Law)
Course Coordinator: Dr. N. Bangkim Singh
Baxi, Upendra. 1984. Forward to Sociology of Law and Legal Profession by Sharma, K.L. Jaipur:
Rawat Publication.
Cotterrell, Roger.2007 (2nd ed). The Sociology of Law: An Introduction. New Delhi: Oxford
University Press.p86-89 & 179-191.
Deflem, Mathieu. 2007. Legal Profession. in The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology, edited by
George Ritzer. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing. p2583-2584
Oommen, T.K. 1986. The Legal Profession in Independent India: A Sociological Overview. Vol.13.
Ind. Bar. Rev. p 377-418 (same copy in 1983. Vol. Ind. Bar. Rev. 10. p1-46.)
Sharma, K.L. 2005. Legal Profession and Society: A Study of Lawyers and their Clients. in ed.
Book Sociology of Law by Indra Deva. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. p131-143.
Singh, M.P. 2010 (8th ed. Reprint). Outlines of Indian Legal & Constitutional History. New Delhi:
Universal Law Publishing Co.p.146-155.
Vago, S. 2012 (10th ed). Law and Society. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. p344-414.

Unit III: Law as an Instrument of Social Change

Cotterrell, Roger.2007 (2nd ed). The Sociology of Law: An Introduction. New Delhi: Oxford
University Press.p44-70.
Gandhi, J.S. 2005. Law as an Instrument of Change in India. in ed. Book Sociology of Law by
Indra Deva. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. p98-111.
Singh, Yogendra. 2005. Law and Social Change in India. in ed. Book Sociology of Law by Indra
Deva. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. p337-351.
Vago, S. 1981. Law and Society. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. p18-21, p309-343.

Unit IV: Sociological Thought on law

Baxi, Upendra. 1974. Comment-Durkheim and legal evolution: some problems of disproof. Vol. 8
(4). Law and Society Review.p645-652.
Cotterrell, Roger.2007 (2nd ed). The Sociology of Law: An Introduction. New Delhi: Oxford
University Press.p74-79.
Deflem, Mathieu. 2010 (3rd ed.). Sociology of Law. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p3774.
Sterling, Joyce S. And Wilbert E. Moore. Weber's Analysis of Legal Rationalization: A Critique
and Constructive Modification. Vol. 2(1). Sociological Forum.p67-89.
Cohen, G. A. 1989. Base and Superstructure: A Reply to Hugh CollinsMarxism and Law

by Hugh Collins Review. Vol.9 (1). Oxford Journal of Legal Studies, p. 95-100
Unit V: Sociological Dimensions of Law
Odd Semester: June to November, 2013

Course Code 2BAL307

Name of the Course:
Sociology III (Sociology of Law)
Course Coordinator: Dr. N. Bangkim Singh
Deflem, Mathieu. 2010 (3rd ed.). Sociology of Law. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p145224.
Ellickson, Robert C. 1998. Law and Economics Discovers Social Norms. Vol. no. 27 (2). The
Journal of Legal Studies. p537-552
Friedman, Lawrence M. 1989. Law, Lawyers, and Popular Culture.Vol. no. 98(8). The Yale Law
Journal. p1579-1606.
The Harvard Law Review AssociationStable. 1986. The Cultural Defense in the Criminal Law.
Vol.no.99(6). Harvard Law Review.p1293-1311.
Weingast, Barry, R. 1997.The Political Foundation of Democracy and The Rule of Law. Vol. no.
91(2). American Political Science Review.p245-263.

Unit VI: Crime against Women

Baxi, Pratiksha. 2008. Feminist contributions to Sociology of Law: A Review. Vol 43 (43) EPW.
p79-85.
Bhat, P. Ishwara. 2009. Law and Social Transformation in India. Lucknow: Eastern Book
Company. p515-604.
Ghouse, Mohammad. 1987. Matrimonial jurisprudence-some perspectives. Vol.14. Ind. Bar. Rev.
p428-436.
Madhava Menon, N.R.1987. The Dowry Prohibition Act: Does the law provide the solution or
itself constitute the problem. Vol.14. Ind. Bar. Rev. P631-644.
Malik, K.P. & Dr. Kaushik C. Raval. 2007. Law and Social Transformation in India. Delhi:
Allahabad Law Agency. p82-105, p105-110, p120-123, & p116-120.
Willigen, John Van and V. C. Chana. 1991. Law, Custom, and Crimes against Women: The
Problem of Dowry Death in India. Vol. 50(4). Human Organizations. p369-377.

Unit VII: Law and Subaltern Classes

Bhat, P. Ishwara. 2009. Law and Social Transformation in India. Lucknow: Eastern Book
Company. p453- 514.
Jethmalani, R. 2005. Mandal Revisited. in ed. Book Sociology of Law by Indra Deva. New Delhi:
Oxford University Press. p261-265.
Webster, John C.B. 2007 (2nd ed.)Who is a Dalit?. In ed. Book Dalits in Modern India: Vision and
Values by S.M. Michael. New Delhi: Sage Publications.

Referred Text Books:

Odd Semester: June to November, 2013

Course Code 2BAL307

Name of the Course:
Sociology III (Sociology of Law)
Course Coordinator: Dr. N. Bangkim Singh
Bhat, P. Ishwara. 2009. Law and Social Transformation in India. Lucknow: Eastern Book
Company.
Cotterrell, Roger.2007 (2nded). The Sociology of Law: An Introduction. New Delhi: Oxford

University Press.
Deflem, Mathieu. 2010 (3rded). Sociology of Law. Cambridge: Cambridge University

Press.
Deva, Indra (ed.). 2005. Sociology of Law. New Delhi: Oxford University Press.
Gurvitch, Georges. 1947. Sociology of Law. London: Butler and Funner Ltd.
Vago, S. 2012 (10th ed). Law and Society. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Continuous Evaluation Component/Schedule

TA
No
.
1

2.

Descriptions
of TA

Parameters

Written Class Introduction: 5 marks

test
Understanding Theory: 5 marks
Critical Analysis: 10 marks
Applications: 5 marks
Conclusion: 5 marks
Class
Selection of topic: 2 marks
Presentation
Theorization: 5 marks
Standpoint:3 marks
Subtantiation: 5 marks
Review
Units

of Participation in lectures: 7 marks

Written submission: 7 marks
Understanding of the Units: 2x7=14 marks
Applicabilty of the argument (Contents):
12 marks

Tentative
schedule/
Total Marks
30 July, 2013
Result: 9 August, 2013
Marks: 30
Ongoing evaluation
Result: 11 November,
2013
Marks: 15x2= 30
Review shall submit at
the completion of every
unit.
Result: 11 November,
2013
Marks:40

Continuous Assessment Criteria

1. The focus of first CE will consist of three parts. The concise section will test the concise
conceptual knowledge of students on the subject. This will be followed with critical
analysis type will be based on questioning an issue or phenomenon. And, the applicability
shall pertain to test the application of theory to practical problems on the syllabus taught

Odd Semester: June to November, 2013

Course Code 2BAL307

Sociology III (Sociology of Law)
Course Coordinator: Dr. N. Bangkim Singh

Name of the Course:

and they have to write a convincing argument to support their views and conclude their
points.
2. The Second CE will focus on active participation of classes. Students will be asked
regularly explain on what they are reading in Newspaper/Journals/Books etc. In relation to
the topic discuss in the class and will be asked to say something on the issues. A student
will get two chances, (15 marks each) during the session and it will be on the discretion of
the faculty to conduct such presentation in the class at any time.
3. The Third CE will mainly focuss on the attendance and participation of each lecture
actively. Students will review each Unit, (which they have attended lectures) at the
completion of every Unit and will have to submit their review by the next class. Students
must present a clear and concise review of the Unit in contents with reference to other
related works on the theme/area. The review shall be limited to those topics/lectures which
they have attended. Besides checking their attention, this review will develop and enhance
skills of perception, creativity, clarity and writings on a particular theme or topic on
different social issues. This will also compel the attention of the students to be alert and
serious throughout the sessions. The learning outcomes will be improvement in skills of
listening attentively, interpretation, analysis and construction of ideas in an order and
systematic manner.

Practical Work (PW) Planning

The main purpose of the PW plan is to introduce and enlighten the students 'theory and practice
application' to any theme related to the subject in an order and systematic manner. Students will
have to enhance their skills among themselves by discussion on many issues both at individual
and group level. Students are expected to participate actively in every step with their intellectual
inputs and suggestions. The feedback in the practical exercise will open up many unexplored and
unknown areas and themes for further inputs.
Students will be provided in advance a selected social issue to be discussed. But they will be
provided a particular/spefic data on the spot for interpretation and analysis (formally limited only
to selected students from each group). Students will be divided into groups and each group will
come with preparing (notes) different perspectives and approches to the same theme. Which
students will represent their respective group will be decided by the concerned teacher on the
same day. S/he will prepare the interpretation and analysis of the data by inclusion the
perspectives and approaches prepared by s/he's group members. Remaining students will also

Odd Semester: June to November, 2013

Course Code 2BAL307

Sociology III (Sociology of Law)
Course Coordinator: Dr. N. Bangkim Singh

Name of the Course:

participate the discussion after the formal discussion is over by putting up observation, argument
and suggestion to a particular point.
Sr.
No
.
1-

Weeks

PW Exercise

Week-1

Groups will be formed along with group leader. Discussion on how to

prepare themselves regarding the interpretation of 'data' on relevant social
issues.

2-

Week-2

Law and Society

Feedback evaluation

3-

Week-3

Crime (theory, trend and

data)

Feedback evaluation

4-

Week-4

Honour Killing (theory,

trend and data)

Feedback evaluation

5-

Week-5

Education (theory, trend

and data)

Feed Back and Evaluation

6-

Week-6

Status of women
(theory, trend and data)

Feed Back and Evaluation

7-

Week-7

Economy (theory, trend

and data)

Feed Back and Evaluation

8-

Week-8

Minority (theory, trend

and data)

Feed Back and Evaluation

9-

Week-9

Poverty (theory, trend

and data)

Feed Back and Evaluation

10-

Week-10

Globalization (theory,
trend and issues)

Feed Back and Evaluation

11-

Week-11

Environment (theory,
trend and issues)

Feed Back and Evaluation

12-

Week-12

Suicide (theory, trend

and data)

Feed Back and Evaluation

13-

Week-13

Corruption (theory,
trend and data)

Feed Back and Evaluation

-14

Week-14

Unemployment (theory,
trend and data)

Feed Back and Evaluation

Odd Semester: June to November, 2013

Methods of conducting the Exercise

Course Code 2BAL307

Sociology III (Sociology of Law)
Course Coordinator: Dr. N. Bangkim Singh

-15

Week-15

Name of the Course:

Revision of the whole syllabus/problem solving

Article Topic:
Sr.
No.

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Topic

Max Weber's contribution to sociology of law

Emile Durkheim's contribution to sociology of law
Karl Marx's contribution to sociology of law
Roscoe Pound's contribution to sociology of law
Upendra Baxi's contribution to sociology of law
Eugen Ehrlic's contribution to sociology of law
Savigny's contribution to sociology of law
Legal evolution
Subject matter and utility of sociology of law
Folkways and mores as sources of law
Functions of law in society
Relations between Sociology of Law and Jurisprudence
Effectiveness of law in maintaining social order in India
Professional socialization of lawyers in India
Legal profession in India: Evolvement and trend
Effectiveness of law as an instrument of social change
Interface between law and social change
Law and economy
Law and popular culture
Law and culture
Law and democracy
Democratic stability in India
Interface between tradition and modernity
Interface between caste and law
Demographic study between north-western and north-eastern states of India
Legal connotations of religion in India
Interface between social practices and legal implications of girl child marriage in
India
De-notified tribes in India
Intrusion of Technology in Private Space
Health Provisions and Conditions in rural India
Impact of mall culture among youths
Changing Trends of Film Censorship in India
Impact and Effect of Social Networking Sites Among Youth
Lokpal Bill: The State versus The Civil Society
Legal discourse on Eve teaching in India
Women Trafficking: A Societal Disgrace
Provisions and Protections of HIV/AIDS infected Women in India
Legality of Prostitution in India vis--vis the judicial discourse
Legal empowerment of women in India
Development and displacement
Women in Modern Gujarat

Odd Semester: June to November, 2013

Course Code 2BAL307

Sociology III (Sociology of Law)
Course Coordinator: Dr. N. Bangkim Singh

42
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Name of the Course:

Women and LPG

Maternal health
Law and Welfare Policy of Women in India
Impact of Religious Institutions on Society
Women in local level politics in India as Participants and Representatives
Mahila Adalat in dispensing Justice to women in India
Role of Self Help Groups in Empowering Women in India
Problems and adjustment of hostelers
A socio-legal study on live-in relationships
A socio-legal study on intercaste marriages
Law as a superstructure according to Karl Marx
Rationality of law according to Max Weber
Social solidarity and types of penal laws according to Durkheim
Social engineering according to Roscoe Pound
Constitutional validity of AFSPA
Naxalism in India
Occupational change among Rabari community
Legal provisions and construction workers
Problems of street vendors
Corruption in political fraternity
Movements against alcoholism
Defining poverty and alleviation
Dowry death
Women entrepreneurs
Problems and provisions of workers in unorganised sector
Judicial activism
Media trials and effectiveness
Tradition and legal questions on honour killing
Bonded labour
Social justice and legal justice
Subaltern movement: Origins and evolvement
Conditions of Women Housekeepers (Housemaids)
Conditions of farmers in India
Implementation and effectiveness of DVA 2005 in the State of Gujarat
SSA (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan ) and its working
Caste as Institution in the modern day society
Validity Claim of Constitutional provisions for the upliftment of schedule caste
Validity Claim of Constitutional provisions for the upliftment of backwards classes
Validity Claim of Constitutional provisions for the upliftment of tribes

E-Learning: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wG_gQ8vJ4-E (Emile Durkheim)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfjycYvlZGg ((Emile Durkheim)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjU7CIGw65I (Max Weber)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShgLxeSj_DU (Karl Marx)
Blog Address: http://sociology-iii.blogspot.in/

Odd Semester: June to November, 2013

Course Code 2BAL307

Sociology III (Sociology of Law)
Course Coordinator: Dr. N. Bangkim Singh

Name of the Course:

Renowned Professors' lectures will be downloaded and sent to the students regularly.
Latest development (through newspaper/journals/magazines etc.) in the subject will be
informed to the students through the Blog.
Queries of the students shall be entertained on regular basis.

Odd Semester: June to November, 2013