Political economy of law

This book is a collection of readings on the political economy of law. It is concerned with the role of law in two distinct yet related dimensions: first, in relationships between rich and poor countries in the world economy, and, secondly, within the developing countries themselves. Law is analysed in terms of its
relationships to the economy, to class, to political conflict, to the state and to international relations. The historical changes in social and economic relations, and the contradictory dimensions of law in both advancing and blocking these changes in conjunction with class interests which are expressed through legal forms, form a major focus of the volume.
Following a general introduction, the book consists of six major sections. Each section is preceded by an editorial introduction that highlights the selected readings. Throughout the book, extensive use is made both of major theoretical writings and of case studies of Third World countries.