Overview

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences, business and law, expertly written by the world's leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. Herbert Kritzer presents a clear introduction to the history, methods and substance of empirical legal research (ELR). Quantitative methods dominate in empirical legal research, but an important segment of the field draws on qualitative methods, such as semi-structured interviews and observation. In this book both methodologies are explored alongside systematic data analysis. Offering an overview of the broad ELR literature, the institutions of the law, the central actors of the law, and the subjects of the law are each addressed in this highly readable account that will be essential reading for legal researchers. Key features include: Summaries of the history of empirical legal research A clear introduction to methods in empirical legal research Coverage of both quantitative and qualitative methods and research A readable guide to the impact and rationale of different methodologies. This relatively short book provides an invaluable quick introduction for students, scholars, legal professionals and policy professionals.

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9781839101045

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Reviews

'In this concise but thorough volume, Kritzer provides those interested in empirical legal studies an engaging overview of the past, present, and future of empirical legal research. Kritzer's volume is unique in its ability to both inform readers about this ever-important, multi-disciplinary field and to empower scholars to engage with and develop their own research on legal subject matter. Highly recommended for scholars and students alike!' -- James L. Gibson, Washington University, US 'Social scientists have a taste for rigor. What has a legal scholar to gain by acquiring this taste? Bert Kritzer, one of the pioneers of the approach, counsels legal academics considering their personal empirical turn: what does it take to be a serious empiricist, and which kinds of insights can be the reward?' -- Christoph Engel, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods, Germany 'This is a valuable introduction to empirical research on law in society from one of its most experienced practitioners. A particular strength is its even-handed approach to quantitative and qualitative methods, stressing that methods should be chosen to fit questions rather than questions being forced to fit methods. The book also helpfully illustrates how research using different methods has thrown light on practical issues in the way legal institutions operate and influence the lives of ordinary people exposed to them.' -- Robert Dingwall, Professor of Sociology, Nottingham Trent University, UK

Author Information

Herbert M. Kritzer, Marvin J. Sonosky Chair of Law and Public Policy, University of Minnesota Law School, US

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