ABSTRACT

Niklas Luhmann wrote a number of works which have decisively shaped the recent development of legal science as a theoretical discipline. Some basic elements of his theory have been widely appropriated by other legal theorists, such that it is difficult to imagine contemporary reflection in legal theory, and above all legal sociology, without Luhmann. This collection brings together the most important canonical and cutting-edge papers on Luhmann’s legal thought. It is introduced in a comprehensive editorial piece by the editor which locates the articles in context and explores the issues and topics at hand.

chapter |16 pages

Introduction

part I|56 pages

Textual analysis

part II|106 pages

Luhmann and political sociology

chapter 3|26 pages

Demokratie und Komplexität

Thesen und Illustrationen zur Theoriediskussion in der Politikwissenschaft

chapter 5|22 pages

Niklas Luhmann

A Sociological Transformation of Political Legitimacy?

chapter 6|18 pages

What is Modern Power?