Legal realism is a theory in the field of jurisprudence that emphasizes the importance of social context and real-world outcomes in understanding the law. It argues that laws are not just abstract rules but are influenced by the circumstances in which they are applied. Legal realists believe that judges' decisions are shaped by their personal experiences, societal norms, and the specific facts of each case. This approach contrasts with formalism, which views the law as a set of logical principles that can be applied uniformly. Legal realism encourages a more pragmatic view of law, focusing on how laws operate in practice rather than solely on their theoretical foundations.