<b> The Jurists of the Western Tradition: basic discourses and archetypes</b> <br>doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2177-7055.2012v33n64p161

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the historical constructions of discourses as well as the typical symbolism of the experts of the legal field during some specific periods of the Western tradition. From that perspective, under the “archetype” category, both the characteristics of such law experts and the production of their own rites and social roles are highlighted. This process of historical analysis emphasizes the peculiar symbolism resulting from the discourse of such social actors throughout pre-modern and modern historical formations. This work points to the fact that the perception of the historical articulation amid discourse, symbolism and power training is essential to evaluate the law area and its key players. Thus, critically evaluating contemporary law theories requires a minimal understanding of the complex social process in which jurists, in each historical moment, tend to assume certain symbolic representations so as to legitimate existing power structures.