Theoretical Turn of Legal Culture in Digital Era

Abstract

This paper systematically explores the profound transformation of theoretical paradigms in legal culture during the digital era. The research reveals that this transformation is grounded in the reconstruction of theoretical foundations: traditional legal culture paradigms have evolved into new theoretical frameworks adapted to digital civilization through cross-fertilization with digital theories. The driving forces behind this transformation stem from the intrinsic impetus of technological innovation, profound impacts of socio-cultural shifts, and structural reshaping of political-economic landscapes. Three significant shifts characterize the theoretical evolution of legal culture: 1) Theoretical frameworks have transitioned from state-centric linear structures to multi-polar governance network paradigms; 2) Research methodologies have shifted from normative analysis dominance to integrated approaches combining digital humanities and empirical studies; 3) Theoretical content has expanded from traditional rights systems to emerging domains including data rights, algorithmic ethics, and digital justice. These theoretical developments hold constructive implications for legal practice, social governance, and cultural construction: driving digital transformation of legislative, judicial, and legal service systems; promoting innovative models of smart governance and multi-stakeholder co-governance; and leading the reconstruction of digital citizen culture and legal dissemination ecosystems. This study not only reveals the internal logic and external manifestations of legal culture theory development in the digital age, but also identifies tensions and challenges in theoretical universality, cultural adaptability, and technological synchronization. It provides a systematic theoretical analytical framework for understanding the evolution of legal culture in the digital civilization era.