Norms in Law and Society: Towards a Definition of the Socio-Legal Concept of Norms

In Baier, M. (ed.) Social and Legal Norms. London: Ashgate, 2013

14 Pages Posted: 22 Sep 2013

Date Written: 2013

Abstract

In this paper, I have argued that the norm concept is central to Sociology of Law and could be held to be equally important as, say, the concept of attitude to Social Psychology. It will probably never be possible to fully bridge the classic gulf between the two dominating academic perspectives on Law – namely, Sociology and Legal Science. However, the norm concept, defined via the essential attributes, tells us that all norms (legal and other social norms) have three properties in common: they are imperatives (‘ought’), yet social facts (‘is’), and, in the end, always subjective beliefs.

Keywords: Sociology of law, Legal theory, Social norms, Law and society, Norms

Suggested Citation

Svensson, Mans, Norms in Law and Society: Towards a Definition of the Socio-Legal Concept of Norms (2013). In Baier, M. (ed.) Social and Legal Norms. London: Ashgate, 2013 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2329283

Mans Svensson (Contact Author)

Lund University ( email )

Box 117
Lund, SC Skane S221 00
Sweden

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