Which term describes how the law is enforced in legal studies?

The term that describes how the law is enforced in legal studies is legal realism. This perspective emphasizes the idea that law is not just a set of abstract rules but is intrinsically linked to the social contexts and consequences of legal decisions. Legal realists assert that the interpretation and application of law are influenced by the realities of the legal system, including the same social factors that affect the behaviors of judges, lawyers, and law enforcement. This approach highlights the practical aspects of law enforcement, as it examines how laws operate in real-world scenarios, rather than being solely focused on theoretical or formal interpretations.

Common law refers to a system of law based on judicial decisions and precedent rather than written statutes. Sociological jurisprudence is a school of thought that studies law in the context of society and social interests but does not specifically address enforcement. Public law relates to the relationship between individuals and government, encompassing areas like criminal law and constitutional law, but it does not specifically address the enforcement aspect of legal studies in the same way that legal realism does.