Stemming from legal realism, critical legal studies (CLS) turns to the inherent biases within laws and the legal system. Like legal realists, critical legal scholars emphasize the social context of the law, such as socio-cultural dynamics, economic inequities, and structural racism. CLS first emerged in the 1970s and quickly developed in legal scholarship. Several schools exist within CLS, such as critical race theory (CRT) and feminist legal theory (FLT). Here, you will be introduced to critical race theory under Derrick Bell and feminist legal theory under Kimberl Crenshaw.

1. Apply CRT or FLT to the interpretation of the word equality.

2. Apply CRT or FLT to the interpretation of the word discrimination.