Oedipus Lex: Psychoanalysis, History, Law

Oedipus Lex provides an original and evocative reading of legal history and institutional practice in the light of psychoanalysis and aesthetics, exploring the unconscious of law through historical and contemporary examples. It analyzes the role and power of the image of law, the history of law's plural jurisdictions, and mechanisms of repression and representation as constituents of modern subjectivity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Oedipus Lex offers a groundbreaking and captivating interpretation of legal history and institutional practices, shedding light on these subjects through the lens of psychoanalysis and aesthetics. By delving into a wealth of historical and contemporary examples, the book explores the unconscious aspects of law, unveiling its melancholic and boredom, addiction to legal norms, legal repressions, and the aesthetics of jurisprudence.

Peter Goodrich, the author, provides an insightful anatomy of law's melancholic and boredom, its addiction to legal norms, legal repressions, and the aesthetics of jurisprudence. He traces the genealogy of law, highlighting the failures and exclusions that legal science has left in its wake, such as the marginalization of poets, women, and outsiders. Goodrich also analyzes the role and power of the image of law, exploring its historical plural jurisdictions and traditions of resistance to law. He delves into mechanisms of repression and representation as constituents of modern subjectivity, drawing upon long-abandoned medieval texts and early manifestations of feminism to understand and renew legal scholarship.

Rather than merely deconstructing, Oedipus Lex engages in a reconstruction of legal discourse, paying close attention to the discontinuities, silences, and gaps within the cultural tradition known as law. This work is not only a critical analysis but also a call to action, aiming to bridge the gaps and foster a more inclusive and equitable legal system.

Oedipus Lex is a valuable contribution to legal scholarship and intellectual discourse, as it pushes the boundaries of traditional legal analysis and offers fresh perspectives on the complex interplay between law, psychology, and aesthetics. It is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates the University of California Press's commitment to seeking out and nurturing the brightest minds and providing them with a platform to express their ideas and impact the world. Voices Revived utilizes print-on-demand technology to make high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible to a broader audience, ensuring that the insights and knowledge contained within these titles remain accessible for generations to come.

Originally published in 1995, Oedipus Lex has stood the test of time and remains a relevant and thought-provoking work in the field of legal studies. Its exploration of the unconscious aspects of law, the role of images and representations, and the challenges facing legal scholarship make it a must-read for scholars, practitioners, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the legal system.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520332911