Behavioral Sciences and Law: From Legal Realism to Behavioral Law and Economics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18800/derechopucp.202601.005Keywords:
Behavioral sciences and law legal realism, Scientific methods in law, Behavioral economics, Economic analysis of lawAbstract
This paper examines the tensions and the evolving definition of the field in which law and behavioral sciences converge. While current literature often presents this field as relatively recent—closely linked to the rise of behavioral law and economics—, its origins can be traced back to legal realism and the doctrinal tradition of law itself. Building on these early foundations, the article traces the development of the debate over the past six decades and argues that this field has evolved around three defining features: the application of scientific methods to understand how law operates in practice, the recognition of a plurality of behavioral sciences that intersect with law, and the need for dialogue between legal scholars and behavioral scientists. Based on these features, the article proposes a contemporary definition of the field, highlights its distinction from other approaches—such as economic analysis of law and behavioral law and economics—and reflects on its future directions.
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