LAW AND SOCIAL INQUIRY-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN BAR FOUNDATION

Scope & Guideline

Empowering Legal Research with Social Science Perspectives

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of LAW AND SOCIAL INQUIRY-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN BAR FOUNDATION with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0897-6546
PublisherCAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1976 to 2024
AbbreviationLAW SOCIAL INQUIRY / Law Soc. Inq.-J. Am. Bar Found.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressEDINBURGH BLDG, SHAFTESBURY RD, CB2 8RU CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Law and Social Inquiry' focuses on the intersection of law, society, and politics, emphasizing the sociological dimensions of legal phenomena. It aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue among scholars from various fields, including law, sociology, political science, and anthropology. The journal’s scope encompasses a wide range of topics that explore how legal frameworks shape and are shaped by social dynamics.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
The journal has increasingly embraced trending themes that reflect contemporary societal challenges and the evolving role of law within them. These emerging topics highlight the journal's responsiveness to current global issues and its commitment to addressing pressing social concerns through a legal lens.
  1. 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.
  2. Environmental Justice:
    Emerging themes around environmental law and justice reflect an increasing awareness of the legal dimensions of climate change and ecological sustainability.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

While 'Law and Social Inquiry' has dynamically evolved, certain themes have shown a decline in prominence over the recent years. This waning interest reflects shifts in academic focus or the saturation of specific topics within the legal and social landscape.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Canadian Journal of Law and Society

Contributing to the Dialogue on Law and Social Change
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0829-3201Frequency: 3 issues/year

The Canadian Journal of Law and Society, published by Cambridge University Press, is a distinguished academic journal dedicated to the multidisciplinary exploration of legal systems, social dynamics, and the intricate relationships that shape law and society. With an ISSN of 0829-3201 and an E-ISSN of 1911-0227, this journal has made significant contributions to the fields of Law, Sociology, and Political Science since its inception in 1986. Recognized in the 2023 category quartiles as Q3 in both Law and Sociology and Political Science, it stands as a credible platform for critical research, theoretical discussions, and empirical studies. Although not an open-access journal, it provides valuable insights that foster academic discourse and enhance understanding within the legal and social sciences domains. Addressed from the Edinburgh Building, Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge, England, the journal serves as an essential resource for researchers, practitioners, and students seeking to navigate the complexities of law and its societal impacts.

LAW & SOCIETY REVIEW

Bridging Disciplines for a Deeper Understanding of Justice
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0023-9216Frequency: 4 issues/year

LAW & SOCIETY REVIEW is a prestigious academic journal published by Wiley, recognized for its significant contributions to the intertwined fields of law, sociology, and political science. With an impressive impact factor that underscores its relevance, the journal boasts a 2023 Q1 designation in both Law and Sociology, highlighting its elite status within these disciplines. Since its inception in 1977, the journal has served as a critical platform for innovative research and discourse, reflecting contemporary issues that influence legal and societal frameworks. Although it does not currently offer open access options, its robust archival resources and global reach ensure that researchers, practitioners, and students can benefit from the insights and empirical studies presented within its pages. With Scopus rankings placing it in the top percentiles of its field, LAW & SOCIETY REVIEW remains essential for those seeking to deepen their understanding of law in its social context and explore the complexities of legal systems and their societal impacts.

University of Bologna Law Review

Connecting Scholars and Practitioners in Legal Research
Publisher: UNIV STUDI BOLOGNA, ALMADL JOURNALSISSN: 2531-6133Frequency: 2 issues/year

University 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.

Derecho y Ciencias Sociales

Fostering Innovative Dialogue in Legal and Social Studies
Publisher: UNIV NAC LA PLATA, FAC HUMANIDADES & CIENCIAS EDUCISSN: 1853-0982Frequency: 2 issues/year

Derecho y Ciencias Sociales is a leading academic journal published by the National University of La Plata under the auspices of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. With ISSN 1853-0982 and E-ISSN 1852-2971, this journal specializes in the interdisciplinary exploration of legal frameworks, social structures, and cultural studies, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students in the fields of law and social sciences. Though currently not an open access journal, it provides a critical platform for rigorous scholarly dialogue, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and practice within its disciplines. The journal aims to engage with contemporary issues and methodologies, fostering an environment that promotes intellectual exchange and the development of innovative solutions to societal challenges. Published in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Derecho y Ciencias Sociales stands out for its commitment to academic excellence and its role in shaping the discourse in the interconnected realms of law and social sciences.

Journal of International and Comparative Law

Exploring Diverse Perspectives in Legal Scholarship
Publisher: SWEET & MAXWELLISSN: Frequency: 2 issues/year

The Journal of International and Comparative Law is a premier academic publication dedicated to advancing knowledge and sparking critical discourse in the field of law. Published by SWEET & MAXWELL, this journal aims to bridge the gap between international legal standards and comparative practices, making it an essential resource for legal scholars, practitioners, and students alike. With an impact factor that positions it in the Q3 category of legal journals and a Scopus rank of #534 out of 1025 in the Social Sciences - Law category, it is recognized for its contribution to the legal community since its inception in 2018. The journal, based in Hong Kong, seeks to publish high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that reflect a diverse range of legal perspectives and methodologies. Although the journal is not open access, it remains committed to disseminating vital research and case studies that shape contemporary legal paradigms. Scholars and legal professionals can stay informed on authoritative insights by engaging with this important resource until 2024 and beyond.

Washington International Law Journal

Fostering Insightful Discourse on Global Legal Issues
Publisher: UNIV WASHINGTONISSN: 2377-0872Frequency: 3 issues/year

Washington 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.

Legal Theory

Advancing Discourse in Legal Philosophy
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 1352-3252Frequency: 4 issues/year

Legal Theory, published by Cambridge University Press, stands as a significant academic journal dedicated to the exploration of the conceptual foundations and implications of law within the wider realm of philosophy. Established in 1995 and maintaining a consistent publication record through 2023, the journal has garnered a reputation for its high-quality scholarly contributions, reflected in its impressive rankings: Q2 in Law and Q1 in Philosophy as of 2023. With an impactful presence in the Scopus Ranks, Legal Theory is positioned 158th in Philosophy and 337th in Law, highlighting its relevance and influence—especially within the arts and humanities. This journal serves as a critical platform for researchers, professionals, and students who seek to engage with the intricate interplay between legal norms and philosophical inquiries. Though not open access, it offers a wealth of knowledge that is integral to advancing discourse in legal philosophy, making it an essential resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of contemporary legal theories and their implications.

Oxford Journal of Legal Studies

Transforming Legal Research into Impactful Knowledge
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESSISSN: 0143-6503Frequency: 4 issues/year

The 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.

MODERN LAW REVIEW

Exploring the Frontiers of Legal Thought.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0026-7961Frequency: 6 issues/year

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.

Revista Brasileira de Direito

Advancing Legal Knowledge, Empowering Future Leaders
Publisher: FAC MERIDIONAL-IMEDISSN: 1807-1228Frequency: 2 issues/year

Revista 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.