Phenomenology, Structuralism, Hermeneutics, and Legal Study: Applications of Contemporary Continental Thought to Legal Phenomena

The author examines the relevance of several contemporary movements in continental philosophy and social theory to the field of legal studies. In particular, the author examines phenomenology, structuralism, and hermeneutics-theories that have received widespread academic attention-and suggests some possible jurisprudential applications of each one. These applications, the author indicates, can instill a new vitality into American legal scholarship.