Présentation

This workshop stems from several observations : first, that socio-legal scholarship as a whole is strongly influenced by both institutional contexts and local scholarly traditions, which has led it to adopt very varied forms across jurisdictions. Second, that this diversity is both an interesting object of study to understand the possibilities and forms of socio-legal research and critique, and an obstacle to some cross-jurisdictional conversations. Third, that this is particularly noticeable and interesting in the context of France and the UK.
While socio-legal studies have significantly developed over the past few decades, both in the UK and (though arguably to a lesser extent) in France, cross-channel conversations across relevant communities have remained limited. In addition, the forms that socio-legal scholarship has adopted in those two contexts are strikingly different.

In this workshop, we want to reflect on those different trajectories, and what they have to tell us about "socio-legal studies in context", but also aim to bring together this scholarly diversity in order to explore ways forward, in terms of collaborations, and in terms of methodological and conceptual explorations.
Therefore, this workshop positions itself both as a first step towards a broader set of discussions and as a significant opportunity to reflect on the impact on our own traditions on the forms of knowledge produced.

The workshop has three key aims :
1) To reflect on how different institutional contexts and traditions have shaped socio-legal thought and scholarship in France and the UK
2) To bring together contrasting approaches developed by those traditions
3) To foster future exchange and research across communities in France and the UK and facilitate new collaborations

The workshop will be held in English.

Programme

10.00 : Welcome and introductions
Emilie Cloatre and Olivier Leclerc

10.15 : Socio-legal studies : trends, histories and institutional challenges/opportunities
Professor Rosie Harding, University of Birmingham
Dr Renaud Colson, Université de Nantes

11.30 : Coffee break

11.45 : Social critiques and socio-legal studies: exploring the 'socio' of socio-legal studies/Penser la sociologie dans la sociologie du droit
Professor Emily Grabham, University of Kent
Dr Rachel Vanneuville, CNRS/Laboratoire Triangle

1.00 : Lunch

1.45 : Approaching the 'legal' in socio-legal studies/Penser le droit dans la sociologie du droit
Professor John Harrington, Cardiff University
Professor Pierre Brunet, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne

3.00 : Coffee break

3.15 : Sampling socio-legal studies: examples and new directions in contemporary scholarship
Short presentations by ECRs – please see call for contribution

5.00 : Wrap-up and discussion
Emilie Cloatre/Olivier Leclerc

5.30 : Drinks

7.30 : Workshop dinner

Registration : To register for the conference, please visit : http://store.kent.ac.uk/product-catalogue/faculty-of-socialsciences/kent-law-school/sociolegal-studiessociologie-du-droit-methods-traditions-theories-in-franceand-the-uk

A small fee of £50 will be requested for registration for participants other than speakers.

We may be able to offer limited financial support for ECRs for travels or accommodation. If you would need such support in order to attend the conference, please let us know as soon as possible.

Contact : Olivier Leclerc : olivier.leclerc @ univ-st-etienne.fr