The Law and Society Association (LSA), founded in 1964, is a group of scholars from many fields and countries who share a common interest in the place of law in social, political, economic and cultural life. It is one of the leading professional associations for those interested in the sociology of law.
LSA members bring expertise in law, sociology, political science, psychology, anthropology, economics, history, and geography as well as in other related areas to the study of sociolegal phenomena.
Among its activities, the LSA publishes the Law & Society Review, sponsors annual conferences and educational workshops, and fosters the development of academic programs in law and society around the world.
The LSA's executive office is located at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
The Association awards several prizes annually. The Harry J. Kalven, Jr. Prize, the Herbert Jacob Book Prize, the James Willard Hurst Prize, the John Hope Franklin Prize, and the Law and Society Association International Prize are among them.
This prize is offered to a scholar (typically residing outside of the U.S.) who made significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge in the field of law and society. Past recipients of the award include: