Neutrality in the law course: a field research at the State University of Ponta Grossa.

Abstract

Introduction: It is known that, due to the influence of positivism and neoliberalism, Law assumes a neutral aspect, as if it were possible to eliminate ideological notions, political conceptions and social interests from the legal system. In fact, it is not uncommon to hear that judgments should be impartial, and that Law professors should not reproduce thoughts endowed with subjectivity.

Objective: To verify the hypothesis that the Law course at the State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG) embraces the perspective of neutrality.

Methods: Exploratory field research with collection of quantitative data through questionnaires sent to fifth-year Law students at UEPG, supported by a bibliographic-documentary review. The questionnaires included questions on themes of gender, sexuality, race, class and politics, investigating whether or not such subjects are addressed in class, as well as whether they should be.

Results: In particular, gender and sexuality issues are rarely addressed in the classroom, while the others, when they are addressed, merely describe reality, without questioning it or promoting critical in-depth analysis.

Conclusion: It is understood that the UEPG Law course embraces the neoliberal positivist ideology, showing itself, in most cases, neutral in the face of the adversities of various social groups.