Theories of Legal Realism

Legal realism is a theory that suggests that how judges decide cases isn't based solely on laws or formal rules, but also influenced by factors like personal beliefs, societal context, and practical considerations. It challenges the view that legal decisions are strictly objective, emphasizing that real-world circumstances and the judge’s own experiences play a significant role in shaping outcomes. Essentially, legal realism highlights that law is not just a set of fixed rules but is applied through human judgment that is affected by various external influences.