| Abstract [eng] |
The master's thesis analyses when the interdisciplinary phenomenon of law and literature emerged and how it developed. It discusses not only the main ideas and features of the law and literature movement, but also why some scholars have criticised the relationship between these disciplines. The master's thesis elaborates on the most widespread distinction of law and literature, to law as literature and law in literature. The field of law as literature is based on literary works with which legal texts can be read and analysed. According to the proponents, fiction can shape thinking and help to approach legal situations from different perspectives. The influence of this field is most evident in the work of lawyers and judges. Law in literature looks at what topical legal themes are reflected in fiction. Scholars believe that classic literature can help to judge the development of law and its impact on society. From this perspective, the master's thesis looks at the work of three literary classics: Franz Kafka, Harper Lee and George Orwell. Looking at recent trends, the thesis thus examines whether the phenomenon of law and literature is still prevalent in academia. The research is carried out from two perspectives: an analysis of the academic literature and a search for study programmes related to law and literature. The results of the study show that law and literature is mostly written in the USA, and that the last five years have seen a significant increase in the number of scholarly works on the subject. Not only that, but more than half of the world's top 10 law universities offer students the opportunity to take a law and literature course. |
