Chapter 1: Critical Legal Theory

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 of the lecture notes on Critical Legal Theory and the Advocate of Law.

Critical Legal Theory

A legal theory that emphasizes the role of social forces and power dynamics in the formulation of laws and judicial decisions.

American Legalism

A theory that promotes interpreting law strictly according to established rules and precedents, often focusing on the judicial system's adherence to legal codes.

Dred Scott case

A landmark Supreme Court case that ruled that African Americans could not be American citizens and that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in federal territories.

Brown v. Board of Education

A landmark Supreme Court case that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

Posner

Richard Posner, a prominent judge and legal scholar associated with the law and economic school of thought.

Bochet v. Riverway Towing Company

A case that was cited as an example of American legalism and reflects certain legal principles that may not align with critical legal theory.

Law and Economic School

A school of thought in legal theory that applies economic principles to the analysis of law, emphasizing efficiency and market outcomes.