Home / Academics / Areas of Study / Social Justice & Legal Theory
Practice Area

Social Justice & Legal Theory

Lady justice in the law library

Advance equity through legal scholarship.

Explore the intersection of law, philosophy and society through social justice courses that examine how legal systems can promote fairness and address historical inequities.

  • 12+ specialized courses from American Indian Law to Law & Psychology
  • Opportunities to contribute to the WashU Jurisprudence Review
  • Interdisciplinary approach combining legal theory with social analysis
  • Cross-disciplinary perspectives integrating law, philosophy, psychology, and social analysis
  • Critical examination of legal systems’ potential for social change

Course List

Social Justice & Legal Theory Courses

Our upper-level social justice and legal theory courses include a range of options. Related clinics and/or externships are marked with an asterisk. Not all courses are offered every year—consult with faculty for guidance on which courses best fit your goals.

  • American Indian Law
  • Feminist Theory, Feminist Judgments
  • Implicit Bias, Law & the Legal Profession Seminar
  • Jurisprudence Seminar
  • Law & Economics
  • Law & Psychology
  • Law & Religion
  • Public Law Theory Seminar
  • Regulating Sex: Historical & Cultural Encounters
  • Slavery & the Law
  • Societies, Cultures & Values
  • Topics in Law and Economics
Beyond the Classroom

Study how legal systems promote justice.

Our comprehensive approach to social justice and legal theory extends beyond traditional coursework.

Recent highlights from the WashU Law community.

WashU Law 3L Beverly Lobo Argues Case Before Eighth Circuit

Read More

Jerry Hunter, JD ’77, Honored with Distinguished Service Award 

Read More

Wiley Rutledge Moot Court Finalists Present Before Distinguished Judges

Read More

WashU Law Students Contribute Amicus Brief in Supreme Court Tariffs Cases

Read More