Empirical research in legal studies: design, application and methods 1600-SPEC-BENP1-PR
In recent years, empirical and interdisciplinary legal studies have become increasingly prominent. A growing body of empirical research means that legal scholars need to be aware of the specific characteristics and limitations of the tools available to them.
The aim of the course is to support doctoral candidates in becoming familiar with empirical methods used in the study of legal phenomena. The course is therefore intended for PhD students preparing dissertations in law who wish to employ empirical methods, as well as for those who want to better understand existing empirical research. It is also open to doctoral candidates in other social sciences with an interest in researching legal phenomena.
The organisation of the course will reflect the typical decision-making process involved in the design and implementation of empirical legal research. Key aspects of designing and conducting such research will be identified, discussed and illustrated through case studies. In addition, for each group of research and analytical techniques covered, short workshop-style sessions will be held, focusing on selected issues relating to the design and use of particular research tools.
The following topics will be addressed:
1. Why study law empirically? Opportunities and limitations of empirical methods in legal research
2. Typical areas of application and common data sources; success stories
3. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods of data collection
4. Options for data analysis
5. Practical aspects of empirical research: funding and time
6. Research ethics
Given the limited number of contact hours, the course will not provide comprehensive training in the application of specific research methods or data analysis techniques. Instead, it will offer practical guidance on research practice and materials for further independent study. The workshop sessions will enable participants to understand the complexity of research procedures and to prepare adequately either to carry them out themselves or to commission them competently.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge | The graduate knows and understands:
WG_01 - to the extent necessary for existing paradigms to be revised - a worldwide body of work, covering theoretical foundations as well as general and selected specific issues - relevant to a particular discipline within the social sciences
WG_02 - the main development trends in the disciplines of the social sciences in which the education is provided
WG_03 - scientific research methodology in the field of the social sciences
WK_01 - fundamental dilemmas of modern civilisation from the perspective of
the social sciences
Skills | The graduate is able to:
UK_05 - speaking a foreign language at B2 level of the Common European
Framework of Reference for Languages using the professional terminology specific to the discipline within the social sciences, to the extent enabling participation in an international scientific and professional environment
Social competences | The graduate is ready to
KO_01 - fulfilling the social obligations of researchers and creators
KO_02 - fulfilling social obligations and taking actions in the public interest, in particular in initiating actions in the public interest
KO_03 - think and acting in an entrepreneurial manner
Assessment criteria
Description of requirements related to participation in classes, including the permitted number of explained absences:
The course is intended for doctoral candidates. Therefore, no formal participation requirements are imposed or enforced. Instead, participants are expected to make a substantial contribution to seminar discussions and to take part actively in the workshops. In terms of academic content, the course assumes no prior knowledge beyond that normally acquired through completion of a master’s degree.
Principles for passing the classes and the subject (including resit session):
The condition for passing the course is active participation, oriented towards supporting one’s own self-development.
Methods for the verification of learning outcomes: Self-assessment in light of the learning outcomes specified in the syllabus.
Evaluation criteria: Preparation for classes, participation in discussions, and participation in workshops – 100%.
Bibliography
During the course, two types of literature will be used: textbooks on the methodology of empirical legal research, and academic articles and monographs describing specific studies. The textbooks are listed below:
1. Banakar, R. and M. Travers (eds), Theory and Method in Socio-Legal Research, Hart, 2005.
2. McConville, M. (ed.), Research Methods for Law, Edinburgh University Press, 2010.
3. Leeuw, F. L. and H. Schmeets, Empirical Legal Research: A Guidance Book for Lawyers, Legislators and Regulators, Edward Elgar Publishing, 2016.
4. Cane, P. and H. Kritzer (eds), The Oxford Handbook of Empirical Legal Research, Oxford University Press, 2010.
5. Epstein, L. and A. D. Martin, An Introduction to Empirical Legal Research, Oxford University Press, 2014.
6. Waszkiewicz, P. (ed.), Podręcznik badacza, IWS Publishing House (forthcoming).
Literature for the discussion of case studies and workshop sessions will be determined during the course, depending on the research interests of the seminar participants.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: