LAW AND SOCIAL INQUIRY-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN BAR FOUNDATION
Scope & Guideline
Illuminating the Impact of Law on Social Dynamics
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Interdisciplinary Legal Studies:
The journal promotes research that integrates legal analysis with social science methodologies, enabling a comprehensive understanding of legal issues in their societal context. - Human Rights and Social Justice:
A significant focus is placed on the exploration of human rights, social justice movements, and the role of law in addressing inequalities and injustices within societies. - Legal Mobilization and Activism:
The journal examines how individuals and groups engage with legal systems to advocate for rights and social change, highlighting the dynamics of legal consciousness and activism. - Comparative Law and Global Perspectives:
Research often includes comparative analyses of legal systems across different jurisdictions, providing insights into how law functions within diverse cultural and political landscapes. - Impact of Law on Marginalized Communities:
The journal features studies that investigate the effects of legal frameworks on marginalized populations, including issues related to race, gender, and socio-economic status. - Legal Pluralism and Institutional Analysis:
An emphasis on legal pluralism allows for the examination of multiple legal systems coexisting within a society, alongside an analysis of institutional practices and their implications.
Trending and Emerging
- Technology and Law:
There is a growing focus on the intersection of technology and law, particularly regarding issues like data privacy, surveillance, and the implications of digitalization on legal practices. - Environmental Justice:
Emerging themes around environmental law and justice reflect an increasing awareness of the legal dimensions of climate change and ecological sustainability. - Globalization and Law:
Research examining the effects of globalization on legal systems and practices has become more prevalent, highlighting the complexities of transnational legal issues. - Intersectionality in Legal Studies:
A rising interest in intersectionality is evident, particularly how overlapping identities (race, gender, class) influence legal outcomes and experiences within the judicial system. - Health Law and Policy:
The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a significant increase in research related to health law, public health policies, and their implications for civil liberties and social justice. - Decolonizing Legal Studies:
An emerging trend involves decolonizing legal studies, focusing on how colonial histories continue to shape contemporary legal frameworks and social hierarchies.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Legal Doctrinal Analysis:
There is a noticeable decrease in papers that solely focus on traditional legal doctrinal analysis without integrating sociological or interdisciplinary perspectives, indicating a shift towards more contextualized studies. - Historical Legal Studies:
Research dedicated to purely historical legal studies has diminished, as contemporary issues and their socio-legal implications take precedence in scholarly discourse. - Focus on Purely Domestic Legal Issues:
The journal's scope appears to be moving away from papers that only address domestic legal issues, favoring those that incorporate international or transnational perspectives. - Legal Theory Without Empirical Evidence:
There is a declining trend in the publication of theoretical papers that lack empirical support, suggesting a preference for research grounded in empirical data and real-world implications. - Narrow Case Studies:
Papers focusing on overly narrow case studies with limited applicability or relevance to broader legal or social issues seem to be less favored in recent submissions.
Similar Journals
Washington International Law Journal
Exploring the Frontiers of Global Legal ThoughtWashington International Law Journal is a distinguished publication dedicated to the field of international law, published by the University of Washington. With an ISSN of 2377-0872, this journal provides a vital platform for scholarly discourse and critical analysis on global legal issues, ranging from human rights to trade law. Although it currently does not offer open access options, the journal aims to facilitate the dissemination of pioneering research and insightful commentary from leading scholars and practitioners in the field. It holds significant value for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of international legal frameworks and their implications worldwide. The journal’s commitment to fostering academic excellence positions it as an essential resource for anyone engaged in the dynamic landscape of law on an international scale.
Justicia
Exploring contemporary challenges in law and governance.Justicia, a distinguished academic journal published by UNIV SIMON BOLIVAR, serves as a vital platform for the dissemination of research within the fields of law, political science, and social justice. Since its transition to Open Access in 2014, it has broadened its reach, enabling scholars, practitioners, and students from around the globe to engage with high-quality research unrestricted by subscription barriers. Located in Barranquilla, Colombia, the journal aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and innovation by publishing original articles, reviews, and case studies that reflect contemporary legal challenges and social issues. With its commitment to elevating discussions on justice and governance, Justicia plays a crucial role in shaping legal scholarship and influences policy-making, making it an essential resource for anyone dedicated to understanding and contributing to the field.
University of Bologna Law Review
Advancing Scholarship in Law and JusticeUniversity of Bologna Law Review, published by UNIV STUDI BOLOGNA, ALMADL JOURNALS, serves as a pivotal platform for legal scholars and practitioners in the field of law. Established as an Open Access journal in 2016, it has committed itself to disseminating high-quality research and fostering vibrant discussions around contemporary legal issues. Based in Italy, the journal addresses a broad spectrum of topics within the realm of law, enhancing its reach and applicability. Although it currently holds a Q4 ranking in the 2023 law category according to Scopus, this reflects its potential for growth and contribution to academic discourse. The journal’s h-index and precise scope will be developed as it continues to publish groundbreaking research up to 2024. With an aim to cultivate educational resources and foster innovative legal thought, the University of Bologna Law Review is an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike, harnessing the power of open access to engage a global audience.
MODERN LAW REVIEW
Exploring the Frontiers of Legal Thought.MODERN LAW REVIEW, a prestigious academic journal published by Wiley, stands as a significant platform in the field of law, dedicated to exploring contemporary legal issues and fostering scholarly discourse since its inception in 1937. With an impressive Scopus Rank of #237 out of 1025 in the Social Sciences - Law category, placing it in the 76th percentile, the journal has consistently maintained a reputation for high-quality research, currently positioned in Q2 of the category quartiles as of 2023. The journal's comprehensive coverage spans various legal topics, making it essential reading for legal scholars, practitioners, and students alike. Although it is not an open-access journal, its contributions are invaluable for guiding the future of legal scholarship. With a robust history of converged years from 1995, 1997 to 1999, 2001 to 2002, 2004, and 2011 to 2024, MODERN LAW REVIEW remains at the forefront of legal research, addressing pressing issues and influencing legal thought across disciplines.
European Journal of Legal Studies
Advancing Innovative Legal ScholarshipEuropean Journal of Legal Studies is a distinguished open-access journal published by the European University Institute in Italy, focusing on the multifaceted field of law. Established in 2007, this journal provides a vital platform for the dissemination of innovative legal research and critical analyses, promoting scholarly dialogue across diverse legal disciplines. With an H-index demonstrating its influence and a Scopus ranking of 445 out of 1025 in the Social Sciences Law category, the journal is recognized for its contributions to the academic community, reflected in its Q3 quartile status as of 2023. The European Journal of Legal Studies invites researchers, professionals, and students to engage with its rich repository of legal scholarship, fostering an understanding of contemporary legal issues within a European context. The journal is easily accessible online, encouraging collaboration and knowledge-sharing among scholars worldwide. For further details and to explore its latest articles, please visit its website.
Access to Justice in Eastern Europe
Advancing Understanding, Enhancing Access.Access to Justice in Eastern Europe is a pivotal journal published by the EAST EUROPEAN LAW RESEARCH CENTER that aims to enhance the understanding and discourse on legal access and justice systems within Eastern Europe. Since its inception in 2018, this open-access journal has made its valuable contributions freely available, fostering an inclusive academic environment for researchers, professionals, and students alike. With an impressive Q2 ranking in the field of Law and a notable Scopus Rank of #477 out of 1025 in the Social Sciences, this journal plays a crucial role in influencing policy and practice through evidence-based research. Addressing the nuances of legal access, the journal covers diverse topics including legal frameworks, social justice, and the impact of law on marginalized communities, with contributions from both local and international scholars. With an ongoing annual volume that extends to 2024, it serves as a vital resource for those committed to the advancement of justice in the region.
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO LAW JOURNAL
Advancing Legal Scholarship with DistinctionUNIVERSITY OF TORONTO LAW JOURNAL, published by University of Toronto Press Inc, stands as a distinguished platform in the realm of legal scholarship, having served the academic community since its inception. With an ISSN of 0042-0220 and an E-ISSN of 1710-1174, this quarterly journal is not only recognized for its rigorous peer-review process but also boasts an impressive Q2 rank in Law and a Q3 rank in Sociology and Political Science as per the 2023 category quartiles. The journal aims to foster advanced knowledge and discourse on various legal issues, thereby appealing to researchers, professionals, and students alike who are eager to engage with contemporary legal debates. It is noteworthy that the journal currently does not offer open access, ensuring the integrity and quality of its publications for a subscribed audience. Published in Canada and available for a wide readership, the UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO LAW JOURNAL continues to be a pivotal source for critical analyses and fresh insights in the fields of law and social sciences, contributing significantly to the understanding and evolution of legal frameworks.
Ius Humani-Revista de Derecho
Fostering Innovation in Human Rights LawIus Humani-Revista de Derecho, published by Universidad Hemisferios, serves as a vital platform for discourse in the field of human rights law and its various dimensions. With an Open Access policy established since 2008, this journal ensures that scholarly articles, critical reviews, and original research are readily accessible to a global audience, fostering collaboration and innovation among researchers, professionals, and students alike. Although the journal is based in Quito, Ecuador, its reach extends internationally, making significant contributions to the understanding and application of human rights in legal frameworks. While it is still developing in terms of its HIndex and Scopus rankings, Ius Humani is poised to provide essential insights and discussions that reflect pressing legal issues and emerging trends in human rights law. Join the community of scholars engaging with this important field through Ius Humani, where knowledge is freely shared and impactful conversations are sparked.
Revista Brasileira de Direito
Connecting Scholars and Practitioners in Legal ResearchRevista Brasileira de Direito is a prominent open-access journal dedicated to advancing the field of legal studies in Brazil and beyond. Published by FAC MERIDIONAL-IMED, this journal has been providing a platform for scholarly discussion and research dissemination since its transition to open access in 2013. With an ISSN of 1807-1228 and an E-ISSN of 2238-0604, the Revista Brasileira de Direito focuses on a wide-ranging scope that includes but is not limited to constitutional law, international law, civil rights, and legal theory. This journal is crucial for researchers, legal professionals, and students seeking to stay informed about contemporary legal debates, case studies, and innovative legal solutions. Based in Passo Fundo, Brazil, the journal aims to contribute significantly to the academic landscape by fostering a collaborative environment for the exchange of ideas and critical analyses within the legal community.
Oxford Journal of Legal Studies
Connecting Scholars and Practitioners in LawThe Oxford Journal of Legal Studies, published by Oxford University Press, stands as a prestigious platform for scholarly discourse within the field of law. Renowned for its impactful contributions to legal scholarship since its inception in 1981, this journal has established itself in the top tier of its category, currently classified as Q1 in Law based on the 2023 category quartiles. With its ISSN 0143-6503 and E-ISSN 1464-3820, the journal provides a comprehensive exploration of contemporary legal issues, theoretical perspectives, and empirical research, attracting contributions from leading academics and practitioners alike. Residing within the Social Sciences arena, it holds an impressive rank of 194/1025, landing it in the 81st percentile according to Scopus rankings. Though not currently an open-access publication, the Oxford Journal of Legal Studies remains vital for researchers, professionals, and students eager to deepen their understanding of legal frameworks and contemporary challenges within the legal landscape. Located in the heart of the United Kingdom, at Great Clarendon St, Oxford OX2 6DP, England, the journal is an indispensable resource for those advancing the study and practice of law.