This innovative work treats law as the set of rules governing how people should act in society, and it demonstrates how the legal system attempts to deter antisocial behavior. Comprised of three sections. the book explores different ways in which law decides issues of responsibility, how cases are adjudicated, and theories of distributive justice and social change. Distinguished by its problem-oriented, topical perspective, "An Invitation to Law and Social Science" serves as an invaluable book for course in law and society, legal process, and the sociology of law.