Realist Theories of Law

Realist theories of law assert that the law is not just a set of rules or principles but is shaped by how it is actually applied and enforced in real life. Legal realists emphasize the importance of social, political, and economic influences on legal decision-making. They argue that judges' interpretations and the outcomes of cases are heavily influenced by context and human behavior, rather than solely by legal texts. In essence, law is seen as a dynamic process that reflects societal realities, rather than an abstract set of laws that exists independently of those realities.