Call for Interest, Section 23 (Ceremonies and Rituals of Authority in Legal and Political Systems)--International Handbook of Legal Language and Communication: From Text to Semiotics

 

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With my my co-editors,  Martin Belov, and Mirosław Michał Sadowski, we are delighted to share with you this "Call for Interest" in participating in Section 23 of the International Handbook of Legal Language and Communication: From Text to Semiotics--Ceremonies and Rituals of Authority in Legal and Political Systems. The Call follows; Please contact us if interested or with questions.

 

INTERNATIONAL HANDBOOK OF LEGAL LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION - FROM TEXTS TO SEMIOTICS 

https://meteor.springer.com/ihllc

Call for Interests – Section 23: Ceremonies and Rituals of Authority in Legal and Political Systems

Editors: Larry Catá Backer; Martin Belov, and Mirosław Michał Sadowski

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We invite scholars, practitioners, and interdisciplinary researchers to express interest in contributing to Section 23: Ceremonies and Rituals of Authority in Legal and Political Systems This section explores the ceremonial and ritualistic practices that underscore transitions of authority and power in legal and political systems.

The performance of the authority of law has been an essential element to the construction not just of law and legal text (in the ceremonials of enactment; transpositions to code and code books, and oral textualism), but also of the processes around the resolution of legal disputes among private litigants, and the assertion of public power in courts, and before other hearings tribunals.  The ceremonials touch not just in performance but also in performers—officials, judges, and layers, principally but not exclusively. It also touches on the event itself—the hearing, the pre hearing processes of evidence gathering and at the initial stages the ceremonials of jurisdiction, process and initiation.  It focuses on the symbolic, cultural, and historical dimensions of such events, including presidential inaugurations, judicial inductions, and the nomination of key figures. These rituals serve as public affirmations of legitimacy and continuity, blending tradition with the evolving needs of governance.

The section examines the semiotics of these ceremonies—the gestures, symbols, attire, and spaces that communicate authority and inspire trust. Through comparative analysis and case studies, it highlights the global diversity in practices while emphasizing their shared significance in upholding legal and political order.

We welcome expressions of interest from those exploring the following (and related) themes: 

1.     Symbolism in Ceremonial Practices:

Examination of oaths, attire, gestures, and artifacts (e.g., constitutions, gavels) as symbols of power and commitment.

2.     Ceremonial Spaces and Public Participation:

The role of architectural and public settings in legitimizing authority and engaging audiences.

3.     Historical and Cross-Cultural Perspectives: 

Evolution of ceremonial practices across time and their adaptation in various legal and political traditions.

4.     Media and the Modern Spectacle of Rituals:

Impact of digital and broadcast media in amplifying the reach and significance of these events.

5.     Case Studies of Iconic Ceremonies:

Analysis of landmark inaugurations, inductions, and enthronements as transformative events in governance.

 This section emphasizes critical, comparative, and interdisciplinary approaches. We encourage submissions from legal scholars, sociologists, political scientists, economists, anthropologists, historians, and sport management researchers, among others.

Whether you are engaging with case law, regulatory analysis, ethnography, or normative theory, this section offers a platform to explore how law shapes—and is shaped by—the global game beyond the whistle.

To express your interest, please submit a short abstract (approx. 250 words) outlining your proposed contribution, along with a brief bio, by 20 September 2025.

For inquiries and submissions, contact the Section Editors, Larry Catá Backer; Martin Belov, and Mirosław Michał Sadowski , at lac11[AT]psu.edu.

Join us in rethinking the legal architecture of sport—its power plays, its promises, and its profound consequences.

 

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