Methodology IV: Advanced Empirical Legal Studies

The course offers advanced knowledge of and practicing of skills in conducting empirical legal research. Building on the foundations in Methodology III, this course offers you the opportunity to engage with and practice the empirical legal research cycle. Throughout this course, theoretical, methodological, ethical, and practical considerations relevant to empirical research will be addressed and key principles are taught. The course concentrates on two selected research methods that are of particular interest to legal research: qualitative interviewing and conducting systematic case law analysis. The course actively coaches participants in setting up a small-scale sound empirical study. Particular attention is given to adhering to ethical and privacy codes for conducting research, collecting and analysing data systematically, and effectively reporting findings. Combining theory with live in-class and out-of-class exercises, participants will learn practical tips and tricks on how to prepare and conduct empirical legal research and how to use their data in their own research.