ABSTRACT
Law and development studies have drifted for decades, and the field has been stagnant, particularly with respect to the development of theories and methodologies that explain the important interrelationships between law and development. Law and development can be revitalized and contribute to development. It should begin with formulating solid analytical frameworks to explain the interrelationships between law and development and clarify the parameters of the key constituent concepts, “law” and “development.” The general theory of law and development, introduced in this book, makes a modest effort to this end. More efforts should be made to clarify the relationship between law and industrial development—a key element of sustainable economic development—which carries with it the potential to lift populations around the world out of poverty. The proposed expansion of the law and development approach to address the economic problems in developed countries will also increase the scope of study and practice for law and development.
