Subversive Legal History: A Manifesto for the Future of Legal Education

This book challenges the traditional historical study of law and argues that a historical approach should be at the heart of the Law School curriculum. It reveals that the law and legal institutions are constructed, every line drawn in the law is arbitrary, and the environment in which law students are socialized is a historical construct. A subversive approach is needed to highlight, question, de-construct, and re-construct the authored nature of the law, revealing that legal change on a larger scale is possible. This book is essential reading for all who work and study in Law Schools, proposing a radical new approach to the historical study of law and the content, purpose, and ambition of legal education.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book is a provocation, audacious, and challenging exploration of the historical study of law and the role of law schools. It argues that a historical approach to law should be at the heart of the law school curriculum, far from being archaic, elitist, and dull. Historical perspectives on law are subversive, highlighting how the law and legal institutions are constructed, how every line drawn in the law is arbitrary, and how the environment in which law students are socialized is a historical construct. A subversive approach is needed to question, de-construct, and re-construct the authored nature of the law, revealing that legal change on a larger scale is possible.

Subversive Legal History is not a type of legal history but is its defining characteristic if it is to be a central part of law school life. It describes a legal method that should be part of the toolkit of all law students, teachers, and researchers. This book will be essential reading for all who work and study in law schools, proposing a radical new approach to the historical study of law and to the content, purpose, and ambition of legal education. A subversive approach can revolutionize law schools, providing a more ambitious legal education that is grounded in the socio-legal reality, helping to ensure that today's law students are better equipped to be the professionals and citizens of tomorrow.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 153 x 234 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032044415