Introduction: A Special Issue on Niklas Luhmann’s systems theory and law
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.1855Keywords:
Niklas Luhmann, systems theory, legal system, sociology of lawAbstract
Combating corruption, ordering business practices and regulating the use of artificial intelligence are but some of the challenges of today’s society that socio-legal research engages with. These challenges are often transnational in their character, calling for an analytical toolbox fit to examine phenomena that transcend space and time. Niklas Luhmann’s systems theory offers such a toolbox to examine complicated communicative practices in today’s globalised world. This Special Issue brings together junior and senior socio-legal researchers from the Global South and the Global North who illustrate and exemplify how Luhmann’s systems theoretical framework can be applied and theoretically discussed with the purpose of analysing socio-legal issues of relevance for the world of today. This article first introduces the motivation and aim of the Special Issue. Then, the article introduces key concepts of Niklas Luhmann’s systems theory and sociology of law, followed by a presentation of the articles that constitute the Special Issue.
Downloads
Metrics
Downloads:
14(5)_Introduction_OSLS 389
XML_14(5)_Introduction_OSLS 20
References
Adam, B., 1994. Time and social theory. Cambridge: Polity Press.
Amato, L.F., 2024. The legacy of Luhmann’s sociology of law: a trialogue among social theory, jurisprudence and empirical research. Oñati Socio-Legal Series [online], 14(5-this issue). Available at: https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.1923 DOI: https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.1923
Banakar, R., 1998. The identity crisis of a “stepchild”: reflections on the paradigmatic deficiencies of sociology of law. Retfærd: Nordisk juridisk tidsskrift, 21(81), 3–21.
Banakar, R., and Travers, M., 2013. Law and social theory. 2nd ed. Oxford: Hart.
Banakar, R., and Travers, M., eds., 2005. Theory and method in socio-legal research. Oxford: Hart.
Barros, M.A.L.L., 2020. Observing courts: An organisational sociology of socio-legal research. In: C.F. Campilongo, L.F. Amato and M.A.L.L. Barros, eds., Luhmann and socio-legal research: an empirical agenda for social systems theory. Abingdon: Routledge
Baxter, H., 2013. Niklas Luhmann’s Theory of Autopoietic Legal Systems. Annual Review of Law and Social Science [online], 9(1), 167–184. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-lawsocsci-102612-134027 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-lawsocsci-102612-134027
Borch, C., 2022. Niklas Luhmann om retssystemets autopoiesis. In: O. Hammerslev and M.R. Madsen, eds., Retssociologi - klassiske og moderne perspektiver. Copenhagen: Hans Reitzels, 273–292.
Brier, S., 2006. Luhmann og den manglende korporligt situerede. In: J. Tække, ed., Luhmann og erkendelse: Epistemologi, anvendelse og nyorientering. Copenhagen: Unge Pædagoger.
Buhmann, K., 2024. The evolution of transnational sustainability governance through a systems theory lens: From rejection to acceptance of business responsibilities for human rights. Oñati Socio-Legal Series [online], 14(5-this issue). Available at: https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.1863 DOI: https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.1863
Buhmann, K., and Wu, J., 2024. Global crisis governance in response to scientific information: Comparing and understanding regulatory responses from WHO and IPCC concerning the COVID-19 and climate crises. Oñati Socio-Legal Series [online], 14(5-this issue). Available at: https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.1856 DOI: https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.1856
Campilongo, C.F., Amato, L.F., and Barros, M.A.L.L., 2020. Luhmann and socio-legal research: An empirical agenda for social systems theory. Abingdon: Routledge.
Esposito, E., 2011. The future of futures: the time of money in financing society [online]. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4337/9781849809115 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4337/9781849809115.00010
Esposito, E., 2013. The structures of uncertainty: performativity and unpredictability in economic operations. Economy and Society [online], 42(1), 102–129. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/03085147.2012.687908 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03085147.2012.687908
Febbrajo, A., and Harste, G., 2013. Law and Intersystemic Communication. Abingdon: Routledge.
Harste, G., 2003. The Emergence of Autopoietic Organisation. In: T. Bakken and T. Hernes, eds., Autopoietic Organization Theory: Drawing on Niklas Luhmann’s Social Systems Perspective. Copenhagen Business School Publisher, pp. 75–102.
Hartzén, A.C., 2024. Swedish trade unions and in-work poverty: A critical approach to industrial relations using Luhmann’s systems theory as framework of analysis. Oñati Socio-Legal Series [online], 14(5-this issue). Available at: https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.1857 DOI: https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.1857
Hedler, L., 2024. Risk and danger in the introduction of algorithms to courts: A comparative framework between EU and Brazil. Oñati Socio-Legal Series [online], 14(5-this issue). Available at: https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.1859 DOI: https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.1859
Hydén, H., 1999. Even a Stepchild Eventually Grows Up: On the Identity of Sociology of Law. Retfærd: Nordisk juridisk tidsskrift, 22(85).
Khan, L.A., 2009. Temporality of Law. McGeorge Law Review [online], 40, 55. Available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1271262
King, M., 2013. The Radical Sociology of Niklas Luhmann. In: R. Banakar and M. Travers, eds., Law and social theory. Oxford: Hart.
King, M., and Thornhill, C., 2006. Luhmann on Law and Politics: Critical Appraisals and Applications. Hart Publishing.
Koselleck, R., 2018. Sediments of Time: On possible histories. Redwood City: Stanford University Press.
Luhmann, N. (with F. Kastner, ed.), 2004. Law as a social system [online]. Oxford University Press. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198262381.001.0001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198262381.001.0001
Luhmann, N., 1979. Trust and Power: two works. University Microfilms International.
Luhmann, N., 1985. A sociological theory of law. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.
Luhmann, N., 1986. The Theory of Social Systems and Its Epistemology: Reply to Danila Zolo’s Critical Comments. Philosophy of the Social Sciences [online], 16(1), 129–134. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/004839318601600110 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/004839318601600110
Luhmann, N., 1987. Rechtssoziologie. Opladen: Westdeutscher.
Luhmann, N., 1997a. Limits of Steering. Theory, Culture & Society [online], 14(1). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/026327697014001003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/026327697014001003
Luhmann, N., 1997b. Iagttagelse og paradoks. Gyldendal.
Luhmann, N., 1998. Erkendelse som konstruktion. In: M. Hermansen, ed., Fra læringens horisont. Klim.
Luhmann, N., 2000a. Sociale systemer : grundrids til en almen teori. Copenhagen: Hans Reitzel.
Luhmann, N., 2000b. Organisation und Entscheidung [online]. Opladen: Westdeutscher. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-322-97093-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-322-97093-0
Luhmann, N., 2002. Theories of Distinction: Redescribing the Descriptions of Modernity [online]. Redwood City: Stanford University Press. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1515/9781503619340 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/9781503619340
Luhmann, N., 2003. Organization. In: T. Bakken and T. Hernes, eds., Autopoietic Organization Theory: Drawing on Niklas Luhmann’s Social Systems Perspective. Copenhagen Business School Publisher, 31–52.
Luhmann, N., 2005a. The Concept of Autopoiesis. In: D. Seidl and K.H. Becker, eds., Niklas Luhmann and Organization Studies. Copenhagen/Malmö: Liber/Copenhagen Business School Press.
Luhmann, N., 2005b. The Paradox of Decision Making. In: D. Seidl and K.H. Becker, eds., Niklas Luhmann and Organization Studies. Copenhagen/Malmö: Liber/Copenhagen Business School Press.
Luhmann, N., 2014. A Sociological Theory of Law. 2nd ed. Abingdon: Routledge.
Luhmann, N., 2016. Samfundets samfund. Copenhagen: Hans Reitzel.
Luhmann, N., 2019a. Sociological observations of the law. In: A. Febbrajo, ed., Law, legal culture and society: Mirrored identities of the legal order. Abingdon: Routledge.
Luhmann, N., 2019b. Some problems with “reflexive law“. In: A. Febbrajo, ed., Law, legal culture and society: Mirrored identities of the legal order [online]. Abingdon: Routledge. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351040341-13 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351040341-13
Mathiesen, T., 1998. Is it all that bad to be a stepchild? Comments on the state of sociology of law. Retfærd: Nordisk juridisk tidsskrift 21(83), 67–76.
Nielsen, S.P.P., 2020. Ikke-jurister i et retligt højspændingsfelt – når sagsbehandlere og borgere samproducerer sagsbehandling [online]. PhD. Odense: University of Southern Denmark. Available at: https://doi.org/10.21996/9c7y-gr54
Nielsen, S.P.P., 2023. Minding the “Gap“ Problem: The Relevance of Combining Top-down and Bottom-up Approaches to the Study of Law’s Role in Everyday Life. In: H. Hydén et al., eds., Combining the Legal and the Social in Sociology of Law: An Homage to Reza Banakar [online]. Oxford: Hart. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5040/9781509959419.ch-018 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5040/9781509959419.ch-018
Nobles, R., and Schiff, D., 2004. Introduction. In: N. Luhmann, ed., Law as a social system [online]. Oxford University Press. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511616594.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511616594.002
Nobles, R., and Schiff, D., 2020. Sociology of the legal system. In: J. Přibáň, ed., Research Handbook on the Sociology of Law [online]. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, 150–162. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4337/9781789905182.00020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4337/9781789905182.00020
Opitz, S., and Tellmann, U., 2015. Future Emergencies: Temporal Politics in Law and Economy. Theory, Culture & Society [online], 32(2), 107–129. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/0263276414560416 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0263276414560416
Paterson, J., 2024. Decentralised finance, regulation, and systems theory. Oñati Socio-Legal Series [online], 14(5-this issue). Available at: https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.1916 DOI: https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.1916
Pedersen, K.H., 2024. Corruption in unlikely places – the case of Denmark seen through Luhmann’s systems theory. Oñati Socio-Legal Series [online], 14(5-this issue). Available at: https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.1858 DOI: https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.1858
Philippopoulos-Mihalopoulos, A., 2010. Niklas Luhmann: law, justice, society [online]. London: Routledge. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203872086 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203872086
Qvortrup, L., 2006. Systemer endogene uro - Luhmann som empirisk begrebseksperimentator. In: J. Tække, ed., Luhmann og erkendelse: Epistemologi, anvendelse og nyorientering. Copenhagen: Unge Pædagoger.
Sand, I.J., 2012. Hybrididization, Change and the Expansion of Law. In: N.Å. Andersen and I.J. Sand, eds., Hybrid Forms of Governance - Self-suspension of Power [online]. London: Palgrave Macmillan, 186–204. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230363007_11 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230363007_11
Schirmer, W., and Michailakis, D., 2019. Systems Theory for Social Work and the Helping Professions [online]. London: Routledge. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429022104 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429022104
Schwartz, G., and Costa, R.A., 2024. Algonormative expectations. Oñati Socio-Legal Series [online], 14(5-this issue). Available at: https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.1864 DOI: https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.1864
Seidl, D., and Becker, K.H., 2006. Organizations as Distinction Generating and Processing Systems: Niklas Luhmann’s Contribution to Organization Studies. Organization [online], 13(1), 9–35. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/1350508406059635 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1350508406059635
Spencer-Brown, G., 1969. Laws of form. New York: E.P. Dutton.
Teubner, G., 1983. Substantive and Reflexive Elements in Modern Law. Law & Society Review [online], 17(2), 239–286. Available at: https://doi.org/10.2307/3053348 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/3053348
Teubner, G., 1985. After Legal Instrumentalism? Strategic Models of Post-regulatory Law. In: G. Teubner, ed., Dilemmas in the Welfare State [online]. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter & Co. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110921526.299 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110921526.299
Teubner, G., 1988. Refleksiv ret: Udviklingsmodeller for retten i sammenlignende perspektiv. In: A. Born et al., eds., Refleksiv ret. Copenhagen: Nyt fra Samfundsvidenskaberne.
Thyssen, O., 2006. Erkendelsesteori som kommunikationsteori: Kritik af Luhmanns teori om den forsvundne verden. In: J. Tække, ed., Luhmann og erkendelse: Epistemologi, anvendelse og nyorientering. Copenhagen: Unge Pædagoger.
Westerman, P.C., 2018. Outsourcing the law: a philosophical perspective on regulation [online]. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. Available at: https://go.exlibris.link/jsgdJc8y
Åkerstrøm Andersen, N., 1999. Diskursive analysestrategier : Foucault, Koselleck, Laclau, Luhmann. Copenhagen: Nyt fra Samfundsvidenskaberne.
Åkerstrøm Andersen, N., and Pors, J.G., 2014. Velfærdsledelse : mellem styring og potentialisering. Copenhagen: Hans Reitzel.
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Stine Piilgaard Porner Nielsen
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
OSLS strictly respects intellectual property rights and it is our policy that the author retains copyright, and articles are made available under a Creative Commons licence. The Creative Commons Non-Commercial Attribution No-Derivatives licence is our default licence, further details available at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 If this is not acceptable to you, please contact us.
The non-exclusive permission you grant to us includes the rights to disseminate the bibliographic details of the article, including the abstract supplied by you, and to authorise others, including bibliographic databases, indexing and contents alerting services, to copy and communicate these details.
For information on how to share and store your own article at each stage of production from submission to final publication, please read our Self-Archiving and Sharing policy.
The Copyright Notice showing the author and co-authors, and the Creative Commons license will be displayed on the article, and you must agree to this as part of the submission process. Please ensure that all co-authors are properly attributed and that they understand and accept these terms.
