OVERVIEW

The course focuses on the study of the fundamental concepts of the sociology of law, understood as a branch of sociology concerned with the relationship between law and society. It also includes an analysis of the main professional roles involved in socio-legal processes, particularly judges and lawyers, as well as their respective institutional frameworks. Adopting the perspective of the social sciences, the aim is to provide students with analytical tools for a critical and original reconstruction of the legal phenomenon.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The change of contemporary legal systems; law and power; law and capitalism; sociology of rights. Historical and deontological profiles of the legal professions; the judiciary; the citizens and the access to justice.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide foundational knowledge of the main theoretical models that underpin the sociology of law (beginning with the “classics” Emile Durkheim and Max Weber), of the most commonly used social research methods in the legal field, and of several key issues in the socio-legal debate, including: law and power; the effectiveness of legal norms; historical and ethical dimensions of legal professions; and the judiciary.

Within these broader themes, the course will offer sociological-legal insights into topics such as international protection and migration policies.

Particular attention will also be devoted to the issue of juvenile justice in Italy, with the aim of highlighting the main developments and tensions that have marked the nearly century-long history of the Juvenile Court.

PREREQUISITES

There are no specific requirements

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures will be the main method of teaching. Additionally, seminars focusing on specific topics may be organized to encourage in-class discussion, with the aim of contributing to the improvement of students’ argumentative skills.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities or other educational needs are invited to contact the teacher and the Department's disability liaison officer at the beginning of the course to agree on any teaching methods that, in accordance with the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning styles.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

COURSE CONTENT FOR ATTENDING STUDENTS

The in-class lectures will address the following thematic areas:

1. The origins, subject matter, and methods of the sociology of law;

2. The relationship between sociology of law and legal science;

3. Émile Durkheim’s contribution to the sociology of law;

4. Law, power, and social transformations in the work of Max Weber;

5. Social norms and legal norms: definitions and distinguishing criteria;

6. Introduction to the sociology of legal professions;

7. Social change and judicial institutions: the case of the Juvenile Court in Italy.

COURSE CONTENT FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS

Beyond the learning objectives, which are the same for all students, the program for students who do not attend lectures is structured into three parts:

1. Introduction to the history, subject matter, and methods of the sociology of law
   (Reference text: V. Ferrari, Diritto e società. Elementi di sociologia del diritto, La Terza, Roma-Bari 2006)

2. Sociology of legal professions
   (Reference text: G. Pascuzzi, Giuristi si diventa. Come riconoscere e apprendere le abilità proprie delle professioni legali, il Mulino, Bologna 2019,  3rd edition, limited to the first four chapters, up to and including p. 164)

3. Focus on the history of juvenile justice in Italy
   (Reference text: I. Fanlo Cortés, G. Petti, Giustizia minorile. Ascesi e declino del Tribunale per i minorenni in Italia, Mondadori, 2025, limited to the introduction and the following four chapters: 2, 3, 4, and 5).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography for attending students:

1. Lectures notes

2. I. Fanlo Cortés e G. Petti, Giustizia minorile. Ascesi e declino del Tribunale per i minorenni in Italia, Mondadori, 2025, limited to the introduction and the following 3 chapters: 2, 3 and 4.

3. I. Fanlo Cortés e D. Ferrari, edited by, I soggetti vulnerabili nei processi migratori. La protezione internazionale tra teoria e prassi, Giappichelli, Torino, 2020, limited to the introduction and to Three essays to be chosen freely.

Bibliography for non attending students:

1 V. Ferrari, Diritto e società. Elementi di sociologia del diritto, La Terza, Roma-Bari 2006.

2. G. Pascuzzi, Giuristi si diventa. Come riconoscere e apprendere le abilità proprie delle professioni legali, il Mulino, Bologna 2019, 3rd edition, limited to the first four chapters, until p. 164 included.

3. I. Fanlo Cortés, G. Petti, Giustizia minorile. Ascesi e declino del Tribunale per i minorenni in Italia, Mondadori, 2025, limited to the introduction and the following four chapters: 2, 3, 4, and 5.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The course will be held in the second semester (February-May 2026). More detailed information will be provided on Aulaweb starting from late January/early February 2026.

Class schedule

SOCIOLOGY OF LAW AND OF LEGAL PROFESSIONS B

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Attending Students
For attending students only, an optional written exam will be held at the end of the course (May 2026). It will consist of five or six questions on topics covered in class and other parts of the syllabus agreed upon during the course. If the written exam is passed, the examination will conclude with a short oral interview during one of the scheduled exam sessions.

Students who do not take or do not pass the written exam will take a fully oral exam aimed at verifying their understanding and critical reworking of the course content, as well as their ability to present it clearly.

Non-Attending Students
For non-attending students, the examination will consist exclusively of an oral interview to verify their understanding and critical reworking of the course content, as well as their ability to present it clearly.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

For attending students, an active participation during the lectures will be evalutated positevely. Durinf the exam, students are expected to comprehend and critically rework the topics covered in class and to present them using appropriate language.

Non-attending students are expected to understand and critically rework the topics addressed in the readings, and to present them using appropriate language.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For any questions regarding the teaching activities, students may contact the teacher at this address: Isa.Fanlo@unige.it

Students are strongly encouraged to register for the course’s Aulaweb page, which will be activated in early February 2026.

Students who, due to disabilities, specific learning disorders ("DSA"), or special educational needs ("BES"), require compensatory tools and/or dispensatory measures - either for exam preparation (materials, educational support, individuales meetings, etc.) or during the examination (e.g., use of mind maps, additional time, etc.) - are invited to communicate their needs to Prof.ssa Fanlo Cortés, in order to agree on the most appropriate arrangements.

For information on the services offered by UNIGE to students with disabilities, "DSA" or "BES", and to access compensatory and/or dispensatory measures during examinations, please refer to the guidelines available on the university website: here