Modern systems theory provides a new method for the analysis of society through an examination of the structures of its communications. In this volume, Niklas Luhmann, the theory's leading exponent, explores its implications for our understanding of law.

Luhmann argues that current thinking about how law operates within a modern society is seriously deficient. He lays out the theoretical and methodological tools that, he argues, can advance our understanding of contemporary society and in particular of the identity, performance, and function of the legal system within that society. In systems theory, society is its communications: they are its empirical reality; the items that can be observed and studied. Systems theory identifies how communications operate within a physical world and how different sub-systems of communication operate alongside each other.

In this volume, Luhmann uses systems theory to address a question central to legal theory: what differentiates law from other social practices? However, unlike conventional legal theory this volume seeks to provide an answer in terms of a general social theory: a methodology that answers the question in a manner applicable not only to law, but also to all the other complex and highly differentiated systems within modern society, such as politics, the economy, religion, the media, and education. This sociological approach offers profound insights into the relationships between law and other social systems.

About the Author

Prior to his death in 1998, Niklas Luhammn was Emeritus Professor of Sociology at Bielefeld University. This work has been translated from the original German by Prof. Alex Ziegert, and edited by Fatima Kastner, Richard Nobles, David Schiff, and Rosamund Ziegert.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Woman-owned bookstore with over 100,000 titles in stock. Photos always provided upon request. Selling on-line since 1995. I run an open bookstore in a major university town, so our stock is always revolving. If you live near State College, PA, stop by and visit our bookstore cafe!

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Webster's Bookstore Cafe, Inc.
133 E. Beaver Ave, State College, PA, 16801, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

All books subject to prior sale.

Books may be returned for any reason within 7 days of arrival, but you must contact us before returning any book. Books must be returned in original condition. If a book is returned due to damage done in transit or to a inaccurate description on our part, we will refund the price of the book and postage in both directions upon return receipt of the book. If a book is being returned for any other reason, we will refund the cost of the book only.

You must e-mail or...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	4 to 9 business days	2 to 4 business days
First item	US$ 5.49	US$ 11.99

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.