https://ojs.cahayamandalika.com/index.php/mlj <p>Mandalika Law Journal (MLJ) is an international journal founded by Yayasan Baru Haji Samsudin. It has 2 editions per year (May and November). MLJ is an open access, double peer-reviewed electronic journal that aims to offer an international scholarly platform for national and cross-border legal research in government regulations. Published material includes large academic papers that critically discuss various aspects and areas of law as well as short papers such as reviews of recently published books and notes on current legal issues. The aim of the Mandalika Law Journal is to present the highest quality research to the widest possible audience. This journal determines the specific topics that will be discussed in each issue which can be analyzed from various legal perspectives as mentioned. However, it does not limit itself to discussing Indonesian Law. MLJ accepts submissions from all over the world. All submitted articles must not be published elsewhere, be original and not be considered for another publication (To check for Plagiarism, the MLJ Editorial Board will screen for plagiarism using the Turnitin application program). If indications of plagiarism are found (above 25%), the editorial board will automatically immediately reject the manuscript.</p> Yayasan Baru Haji Samsudin en-US Mandalika Law Journal 2987-3401 https://ojs.cahayamandalika.com/index.php/mlj/article/view/5866 <p>This study explores the role of the socio-legal approach in law enforcement, emphasizing the interaction between legal texts and social realities. Using a qualitative methodology, specifically literature review and library research, the article investigates key legal theory concepts, including Lawrence M. Friedman's framework of the legal system consisting of structure, substance, and legal culture, as well as Soerjono Soekanto’s identification of five crucial factors influencing law enforcement. The study also incorporates Richard A. Posner’s economic analysis of law, particularly in criminal law, and highlights the significance of legal culture in shaping public legal awareness. The findings indicate that law enforcement should not be viewed solely through a normative lens but must integrate social, cultural, and economic dimensions to understand its full impact. In the context of the enactment of Law No. 1 of 2023 (the new Indonesian Penal Code), the application of this law requires a thorough understanding of the socio-legal approach, which can help judges make more informed and contextually just decisions. The socio-legal approach provides a comprehensive perspective, bridging the gap between written law and its practical application, and offers recommendations for creating legal policies that are more attuned to societal needs. This research contributes to advancing the understanding of the importance of integrating legal theory with social sciences to foster a more just and effective legal system.</p> Andreas Eno Tirtakusuma Copyright (c) 2026 Andreas Eno Tirtakusuma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2026-01-30 2026-01-30 4 1 1 7 10.59613/mlj.v4i1.5866