What Can We Hope For from Law?

Abstract

Many people feel called to law practice because they sense that law can be an avenue for helping others and improving society. But what should the lawyer of faith hope for, and expect from, law? The question might sound overly abstract or general. This Essay will explain why the question matters, not just as a matter of theory, but also to the real-world lawyering journeys taken by people of faith. This Essay develops three points: (1) there are different answers to this question; (2) the answers matter not just to theologians but to lawyers of faith because our answers can shape our expectations about law practice and how we see our purpose in practicing law; and (3) although our answers to this question do indeed matter, the answers will not be enough to explain and sustain our lawyering journeys. Thus, this last point will include a discussion of what else we will need as we try to cooperate in God's justice through our imperfect practice of imperfect human law.