Justice, Crime, and Citizenship in Eurasia: A Sociolegal Perspective

This book explores the role of law in post-communist societies, highlighting how citizens evade, use, reinterpret, and shape the law even in authoritarian contexts. It bridges the gap between theory and practice and offers empirical analyses of policing, the legal profession, public attitudes, regime support, and oppositional mobilisation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The role of law in post-communist societies is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that requires a comprehensive examination. This book seeks to explore the law as a social institution in Eurasia, examining how it is shaped in the everyday interactions between state and society, organizations, and individuals, as well as between law enforcement and other government entities. By bridging the gap between theoretically rich work on law-in-action and the empirical reality of Eurasia, the contributions in this volume offer valuable insights into the diverse ways in which law operates in the region.

The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of the journal "Europe-Asia Studies," and they collectively shed light on a range of topics related to the law in post-communist societies. These include research on policing, the legal profession, public attitudes towards law, regime support and oppositional mobilisation, crime policy, and property rights, among others.

One of the key findings of the book is that the law in post-communist societies is not merely a tool for the state to enforce order and suppress dissent. Instead, citizens in these societies have developed sophisticated strategies for evading, using, reinterpreting, and shaping the law, even in authoritarian contexts. This is often done in response to the perceived shortcomings of the legal system, as well as to the challenges posed by the political and economic environment.

For example, in some post-communist countries, citizens have turned to informal networks and organizations to bypass the legal system and seek justice for their grievances. These networks may involve community leaders, activists, or even criminal organizations, and they may use a variety of tactics, such as protests, boycotts, or even violence, to achieve their goals. In other cases, citizens may use the law to challenge the regime, either by filing lawsuits or engaging in peaceful demonstrations.

However, the use of law by citizens in post-communist societies is not always a straightforward process. The legal system in these countries is often complex, opaque, and subject to political influence, which can make it difficult for citizens to navigate and assert their rights. Moreover, the state may use the law as a tool to suppress dissent and maintain its power, often through the use of repressive laws and policies.

Despite these challenges, the book argues that the law plays a crucial role in post-communist societies. It provides a framework for organizing social and economic relationships, protecting individual rights, and promoting social justice. Moreover, the law can be a powerful tool for promoting democratic values and promoting human rights.

In conclusion, the role of law in post-communist societies is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that requires a comprehensive examination. This book offers valuable insights into the diverse ways in which law operates in the region, and it highlights the important role that citizens play in shaping the law and challenging the regime. By understanding the complexities of the legal system and the strategies that citizens use to navigate it, we can better appreciate the role that law plays in promoting social and economic development, protecting individual rights, and promoting democratic values in post-communist societies.

Weight: 690g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032312071