"This title offers a comprehensive and systematic introduction to the whole range of major theory and empirical research concerning the sociology of law. Appealing to both law and social science students alike, it offers a distinctive view of contemporary law in Western societies and provides a clear analytical framework for the study of the diverse literature relating to its field. This new edition has been enlarged and re-written to take account of recent theoretical literature, changes of emphasis in interpretation and new research on legal practice, dispute processing and law enforcement."