本論文首述社會學與人類學中的功能理論，介紹墨頓顯性的與隱性的功能說，再簡介帕森思的生平、著作與學說主旨。接著描寫帕氏社會體系論中四大主要功能：適應、目標達致、整合與類型保持。法律作為社會總體系的次級體系，其主要的功能重在社會控制與社會整合。是故本文的重點在討論作為社會操控機制的法律之特徵，以及法律怎樣運用制裁、管轄、正當性與解釋的手段，配合法律的專業化來達到穩定社會總體系之目的。稍後，本文討論帕氏對契約、雇傭與財產權的剖析。最後，覆述帕氏法律社會學的大旨，評估其得失，以及後人在結構功能論以及體系論方面之發揮，以補充帕氏未竟與未逮之理論大業。

This essay deals firstly with the evolution of functionalism in sociology and anthropology. It then treats Merton`s distinction between the manifest and latent functions. Subsequently, the focus of the article is on Parsons` theory of social system. Having discussed his career, major writings and essential theoretical contributions, the author dwells on Parsons` four functional imperatives and their relevance to the law as one of the social subsystems. According to him, the law as a mechanism of social control operates in a free and open society in terms of sanction, jurisdiction, legitimation and interpretation with the aid of the legal profession. In addition, Parsons` discussion of contract, employment and property right is highly enlightening and deserves a brief mention. Finally, the treatise critically evaluates Parsons` socio-legal model and supplements it with theoretical modifications and expansions by recent scholars, such as H. Bredemeier, N. Luhmann, G. Teubner and A. Podgorecki.

結構－功能論;體系論;負功能;功能的無上命令;規範結構;普遍化的規範期待;契約;財產權;自生法;反思法

structural-functionalism; social system theory; dysfunctions; functional imperatives; the normative structure; generalized normative expectation; contract; property right; autopoietic law; reflexive law