The premise of the center is that the study of Jewish law can profit immensely from insights gained from general jurisprudence; and that Jewish law and Jewish civilization can provide illuminating perspectives both on the general study of law as a per se academic discipline, and on the reflection on law as a central social institution refracting the most important issues in our society. The center furthers its mission by offering programs advancing scholarship, legal education, and policy and programmatic studies as well as broad outreach to undergraduates.