Supports
scientific research on law and lawlike
systems of rules.
The
Law and Social Science Program at the
National Science Foundation supports social
scientific studies of law and law-like
systems of rules, institutions, processes,
and behaviors. These can include, but
are not limited to, research designed
to enhance the scientific understanding
of the impact of law; human behavior and
interactions as these relate to law; the
dynamics of legal decision making; and
the nature, sources, and consequences
of variations and changes in legal institutions.
The primary consideration is that the
research shows promise of advancing a
scientific understanding of law and legal
process. Within this framework, the Program
has an "open window" for diverse
theoretical perspectives, methods and
contexts for study. For example, research
on social control, crime causation, violence,
victimization, legal and social change,
patterns of discretion, procedural justice,
compliance and deterrence, and regulatory
enforcement are among the many areas that
have recently received program support.
In addition to standard proposals, planning
grant proposals, travel support requests
to lay the foundation for research, and
proposals for improving doctoral dissertation
research are welcome.
The
Law and Social Science Program continues
to solicit proposals that take account
of the growing interdependence and interconnections
of the world. Although NSF no longer has
a separate Global Perspectives competition,
it encourages globally-oriented research.
Thus proposals are welcome that advance
fundamental knowledge about legal interactions,
processes, relations, and diffusions that
extend beyond any single nation as well
as about how local and national legal
institutions, systems, and cultures affect
or are affected by transnational or international
phenomena. Thus, proposals may locate
the research within a single nation or
between or across legal systems or regimes.
The review process for the Law and Social
Science Program is approximately six months.
It includes appraisal of proposals by
ad hoc reviewers selected for their expertise
from throughout the social scientific
community and by an advisory panel that
meets twice a year. The target dates for
the submission of proposals are January
15 for proposals to be funded as early
as July and August 15 for proposals to
be funded in or after January. See below
for application guidelines. Note particularly
the opportunity to submit proposals electronically
via
Fastlane.
|