The study of how law and its enforcement are used not just to punish crime, but to shape societal norms and expectations proactively. It looks beyond "thou shalt not" to see how the legal system defines reality, channels conflict into manageable procedures, and uses the threat of punishment to produce self-regulating citizens.
Theory of Legal Social Control Example: "Broken Windows" policing. The theory isn't about solving major crimes. By aggressively ticketing and arresting people for minor, visible offenses (fare evasion, graffiti), it uses the legal system to assert control over public space, signal order, and discourage broader disorderly behavior. The law’s power is used to cultivate an atmosphere of surveillance and compliance.
by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 7, 2026
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