Anthropology of Law and Crime

This course introduces the students to an anthropological approach to law and crime. From this perspective law is not limited to formal law, but applies to different constellations of normative orders in society. Thereby, reality is rather one of legal pluralism and of normative pluralism. In this course we will understand and analyse law in the plural through anthropological theory and case studies. Furthermore, we will challenge “common-sense” and legalistic notions of contemporary criminality.

The course is designed to introduce students with the main theoretical, methodological and applied problems within anthropological studies of law and crime.

Oral presentations, Midterm exam, Final (written exam).