Law and Society is a program of study that is intended for the understanding of law in its historical and social contexts. Through study of the evolution of law from ancient societies to our contemporary day, students are encouraged to see law as a dynamic institution shaped by historical forces and social values. Substantively emphasis is given to the study of such contemporary legal issues as human freedoms and civil rights, social responsibility and the enunciation of citizen rights.

The Law and Society field takes up studies of the legal environment of various institutional sectors in our society. The health care, the family, and the mental health systems all have detailed legal environments setting standards for professional conduct, responsibilities of various kinds. Other fields, such as communications media, business enterprises, and the military also have fully elaborates legal environments.