Lawrence Rosen Books

Exploring the intricate relationship between law and culture, this book delves into how legal frameworks reflect a society's values and order. Lawrence Rosen examines the construction of facts within legal contexts and draws parallels to everyday life, illustrating how cultural logic influences legal decision-making. He highlights the role of courts, mediators, and social pressures in shaping a collective understanding of reality, emphasizing the interplay between legal processes and cultural identity.

Focusing on the operations of modern Islamic courts in the Arabic-speaking world, the study delves into the cultural foundations that influence judicial discretion. Using Morocco's Islamic courts as a case study, it highlights how local concepts and expertise shape legal proceedings. The author contrasts these practices with Anglo-American law, emphasizing the intertwined nature of law and culture in both contexts. This examination reveals the significance of everyday relationships and societal norms in the functioning of legal systems.

Focusing on the crisis of legitimacy in American political culture, the book employs a case study approach to analyze key events and trends. It delves into the factors contributing to public disillusionment with political institutions and leaders, examining the implications for democracy and governance. Through detailed examples, it highlights the challenges faced by American politics and the potential pathways for restoring trust and engagement among citizens.

Exploring the intersection of culture and law, this thought-provoking volume uses case studies to reveal how legal decisions reflect cultural assumptions about human nature and social order. It addresses complex issues like native heritage and male circumcision, offering fresh insights into socio-legal studies. The author, drawing on his dual expertise in anthropology and law, provides a unique perspective on the crucial relationship between legal frameworks and cultural practices, enriching the discourse on how law interacts with societal norms.

The exploration of Arab Muslim life reveals the significance of interpersonal relationships in understanding diverse phenomena, from the aversion to portraiture to the complexities of fundamentalism and the protection of the Prophet's image. Lawrence Rosen connects these elements to broader social, political, and cultural contexts, providing insights into actions like suicide bombing and Quranic interpretation. With eloquence and depth, this work appeals to anthropologists, Islamicists, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Arab world.

Exploring political, economic, and social encounters within and with the Muslim world across the eras, Lawrence Rosen develops a vibrant, nuanced portrait of the Islamic world that challenges existing stereotypes. Using a diverse range of illustrative case studies, Rosen draws previously unseen linkages across time, regions, and cultures.