Examining the evolving role of law in society, this work distinguishes between repressive law, marked by conflict and special interests, and responsive law, which aims to achieve an ideal polity. Nonet and Selznick advocate for the integration of legal, political, and social theory, proposing a typology that includes repressive, autonomous, and responsive law. The authors provide a framework for analyzing legal systems, emphasizing the importance of responsive governance. Robert A. Kagan's introduction contextualizes the text for modern readers, highlighting the influence of legal values across various institutions.
