Critical Theory

• Conflict Theory

  The analysis that law is used to exploit less privileged groups of people to keep those in power, powerful.
• Marxist Class Theory

  Law is part of a superstructure that facilitates this exploitation – the theory of labour exploitation:

  • The idea that the bourgeoisie exploits the proletariat's' labour.
  • Proposes that labour reflects value. The bourgeoisie takes the majority of the value of the product whereas the proletariat profits little.
  • Property law permits the wealthy to continue owning land + contract law allows the wealthy to "own" labour.
• Feminist Theory

  Law and the justice system facilitate and reinforce gender exploitation – done under the patriarchy.
• Critical Race Theory

  An anti-capitalist theory – the oppressor opresses the oppressed in the area of race, exploitation, and law. The law and the justice system facilitate this exploitation.
• Liberal Class Theory

  Older than Marxian class theory. The state itself is the exploitive institution in the society. The "state ruling class" or the "political class" exploit the rest of the people to benefit the state ruling class and it's allied special interest groups in society.