Pierre Noreau

The Sociology of Law in France: Trends and Paradigms

To suggest that French legal sociology is a field in which a dominant theoretical tendency is identifiable is misleading; equally, attempts to provide insight into the work achieved in French socio-legal studies which presuppose that a complete inventory of the field must be undertaken are misguided. In this article, an exposition of French legal sociology is attempted using different means: following a brief history of the evolution of socio-legal studies in France, the authors suggest different paradigms around which French researchers appear to converge. Eight paradigms are identified, covering the majority of French sociologists and jurists. The article concludes with an analysis of some characteristics of socio-legal studies in general, within the framework of French intellectual and academic life.

Risques de santé et populations marginalisées : réflexion interdisciplinaire sur la centralité des droits de la personne dans le statut citoyen

Although risk management strategies adopted by the State and its agents are aimed theoretically at sheltering them from liability, it is noted that when these strategies are applied to those who are marginalized, they often have the effect of exacerbating and multiplying risks otherwise normally assumed by citizens. This situation violates the fundamental rights of marginalized persons and in fact, may increase their vulnerability to certain risks. The writers postulate that practices grounded on the rights of persons -in a ⪡ bottom up⪢ perspective -could constitute a counterweight to the law and to social and health policies that may, in fact, encourage the emergence of certain risks. In order to favor empowerment, it is suggested that there emerge a socialization process relating to human rights according to which the status of citizen would be viewed as an interface between the individual and society. SOMMAIRE