Law's Memories

This book explores the relationship between law and memory, emphasizing memory as a resource of law that shapes perceptions of belonging and informs legal consciousness and socio-legal research. It introduces the notion of mnemonic legality, which views memory as a means of substantiating senses of belonging and framing inclusions and exclusions from a national community.

Format: Hardback
Length: 153 pages
Publication date: 03 December 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This captivating book delves into the intricate relationship between law and memory, embarking on a profound exploration of the ways in which memory plays a crucial role in the formation of legal socialization and legal meaning-making. Set against the backdrop of critical legal pluralism, which emphasizes the diverse and distributed nature of law, this book introduces the concept of mnemonic legality. It posits that memory should be viewed as a valuable resource rather than a mere object of law, emphasizing its role in shaping perceptions of belonging and contributing to the construction of national communities based on linear-trajectory and growth narratives of nationhood.

Through its comprehensive examination, this book uncovers the sensory and affective foundations of law, shedding light on the ways in which memory and perceptions of belonging intertwine to shape the process of creating legality and legitimacy. By identifying the ways in which memory influences notions of law, it makes significant contributions to legal consciousness research and to important socio-legal inquiries.

The book begins by examining the historical and cultural significance of memory in shaping legal systems. It explores how memory has been used to justify and perpetuate legal inequalities, as well as how it has been mobilized to challenge and transform legal norms. The author then delves into the theoretical frameworks that underpin the concept of mnemonic legality, including critical legal pluralism, postcolonialism, and feminist legal theory.

The book proceeds to examine the ways in which memory contributes to legal socialization and legal meaning-making. It explores how legal narratives, legal practices, and legal institutions shape and reinforce memories, creating a sense of collective identity and belonging. It also explores how memory can be used to challenge and subvert legal narratives, promoting alternative understandings of law and justice.

In conclusion, this book offers a groundbreaking exploration of the relationship between law and memory. It challenges traditional understandings of law as a static and abstract system and instead presents memory as a dynamic and fluid resource that shapes and informs legal consciousness and practices. By highlighting the role of memory in legal socialization and meaning-making, this book provides valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of law and its impact on individuals and communities.

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031193873
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023