LatCrit: From Critical Legal Theory to Academic Activism

LatCrit theory is a critical outsider jurisprudence that seeks to develop a critical, activist, and interdisciplinary discourse on law and society affecting Latinas/os/x, and to foster the development of coalitional theory and practice. This slim volume tells the story of LatCrits growth and influence as a scholarly and activist community, and offers a roadmap for those seeking to organize long-term collective action for social transformation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2021
Publisher: New York University Press

LatCrit theory, a vibrant and influential field of critical outsider jurisprudence, emerged from the US legal academy in 1995. It encompasses a wide range of critical schools of legal knowledge, including Feminist Legal Theory and Critical Race Theory, among others. LatCrit's primary objectives are to establish a critical, activist, and interdisciplinary discourse on law and society that impacts Latinas/os/x and to foster the development of coalitional theory and practice, as well as the accessibility of this knowledge to agents of social and legal transformative change.

This concise volume chronicles the growth and influence of LatCrit as a scholarly and activist community. Francisco Valdes and Steven W. Bender provide a remarkable example of how critical outsider academics can organize long-term collective action in law and society, which can be beneficial to individuals who are similarly inclined to improve their organization. LatCrit: From Critical Legal Theory to Academic Activism serves as a roadmap, historical record, and guide for moving forward. It demonstrates that social transformation can take root through coalition, collaboration, and community.

LatCrit theory has had a significant impact on legal scholarship and activism. It has challenged traditional legal theories and practices that have often marginalized and oppressed Latinas/os/x. By providing a critical lens through which to analyze legal issues, LatCrit has helped to promote greater equity and justice in the legal system.

LatCrit has also played a crucial role in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and dialogue. It has brought together scholars from various fields, including law, sociology, anthropology, and political science, to explore the complex relationships between law, culture, and society. This interdisciplinary approach has led to new insights and understanding of legal issues and has contributed to the development of more comprehensive and effective policies and practices.

In addition to its academic impact, LatCrit has also been a powerful force for social change. It has organized grassroots movements, advocated for policy reforms, and raised awareness about the experiences and struggles of Latinas/os/x. LatCrit has also collaborated with other social justice movements, such as the Black Lives Matter movement, to promote broader systemic change.

LatCrit's emergence as a scholarly and activist community within and beyond the US legal academy is a testament to the power of critical thinking and social justice. It continues to inspire and challenge scholars and activists around the world, as they work to build a more just and equitable society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479809295