The Center for Studies in Law, Justice, and Society (NEDJUS) is an interdisciplinary laboratory for research and debate, dedicated to examining the intersections of law, justice, politics, and society. Our work critically engages with these dynamics while advancing innovative methodologies in sociolegal research.
Grounded in the disciplines of Sociology, Law, and Political Science, NEDJUS structures its research around three core themes:
- Justice Indicators and Public Opinion
This theme examines public perceptions of justice institutions, analyzing:
- Media portrayals of the Judiciary and legal professionals;
- The development of performance indicators for judicial institutions;
- Public trust in the justice system and awareness of rights;
- How citizens understand, interact with, and perceive the legal world.
- Access to Justice and Citizenship
We investigate barriers to justice and the challenges marginalized groups face in claiming rights, focusing on:
- Public policies designed to improve access to justice;
- Conflict mediation and dispute resolution mechanisms;
- The role of legal institutions and professionals in reinforcing or reforming legal structures;
- Everyday encounters with the justice system and legal processes.
- The Judiciary and Decision-Making Processes
This theme explores the Judiciary’s political and institutional dynamics, including:
- The expanding role of courts in shaping public policy and resolving conflicts traditionally handled by the Legislative or Executive branches;
- Judicial decision-making: What influences rulings? How do judges form coalitions? What factors shape judicial behavior?
NEDJUS is based in the Department of Sociology at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), under the coordination of Professor Fabiana Luci de Oliveira.
