This paper reflects on the definition of sociology of law proposed by Renato Treves in two of his most important works - Introduzione alla sociologia del diritto of 1977 and Sociologia del diritto. Origini, ricerche, problemi of 1987-1988 - by analysing its meaning and effects, in light of other definitions of sociology of law. The author then proposes his own view on how to define this study field.
Keywords: Sociology of Law - Legal rules - Renato Treves - Vincenzo Ferrari