Mathieu Deflem is Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of South Carolina. He has published dozens of articles in journals and books, is the author of Policing World Society (2002) and the editor of Sociologists in a Global Age (2007), Sociological Theory and Criminological Research (2006), Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism (2004) and Habermas, Modernity and Law (1996). His website is www.mathieudeflem.net.

• Introduction: sociology, society, law; Part I. Theoretical Foundations of the Sociology of Law: 1. Law and the rise of the social sciences; 2. Max Weber on the rationalization of law; 3. Emile Durkheim on law and social solidarity; Part II. Development and Variations of the Sociology of Law: 4. The theoretical move towards the sociological study of law; 5. From sociological jurisprudence to sociology of law; 6. Sociology of law and the antinomies of modern thought; Part III. Sociological Dimensions of Law: 7. Law and economy: the regulation of the market; 8. Law and politics: the role of democratic law; 9. Law and integration: the legal profession; 10. Law and culture: the balance of values through norms; Part IV. Special Problems of Law: 11. Social control: the enforcement of law; 12. The globalization of law; Conclusion: visions of the sociology of law.

'Mathieu Deflem's book is a most timely overview of the sociology of law. It brings together a vision of the classical tradition before attending to a comprehensive survey of recent contributions to what has become an increasingly diversified field. He lays the basis for a fruitful engagement between these different strands. Participants will be more aware of the interacting visions of the field and will, hopefully, talk to each other again.' Alan Hunt, Chancellor's Professor, Carleton University