Study

This is not a course in sports law, or in any body of law as it applies to the realm of sports and games.  It is a course in the theory of how rule-based and other normative systems are constructed and operate that uses the endlessly rich and varied landscape of sports and games to investigate those questions.  The objective is to develop a better understanding of the underlying theory and structure of legal systems and their problems by examining non-legal normative structures in a realm that is fascinating, fun, and accessible to all regardless of background. Topics include:  Defining the boundaries of such systems (How do we determine what counts as a sport versus a game?), designing the basic structure of such systems (What are a game designer’s goals and constraints?), setting the terms for determining outcomes in such systems (Who wins? When and what kinds of penalties are imposed?), structuring institutions for adjudicating disputes in such systems (How are rules interpreted? How do officials make factual determinations, and with what discretion? Are officiating decisions subject to review and correction?), and how do norms about how to act under such systems develop and operate (What is rule-breaking?  Cheating?  Acceptable loopholing?  Good versus bad sportsmanship?).

Special Notes:

*New*

Spring 2026

Course Number	Course Credits	Evaluation Method	Instructor
572.01	2	Reflective Writing Oral presentation Class participation	Samuel W. Buell
Canvas site: https://canvas.duke.edu/courses/75578