Designed to teach the basics needed to prepare students for any role in the legal system, Law and the Legal System engages students through the use of examples and practical applications of legal principles. Whether they are interested in pursuing legal careers as lawyers or paralegals, or political science careers, or criminal justice interests, students are provided a basic understanding of the law and how to find it. Mock trial experiences are encouraged, and each chapter involves the student in exercises that review understanding of legal terms and concepts. Six cases in an appendix illustrate basic concepts, and hypothetical cases showcase the inner workings of the judicial system in both criminal and civil cases. Internet sources, key terms, case excerpts, research assignments, review exercises and discussion questions help students reinforce the key concepts in each chapter, and suggested activities engage students in discovery projects.
Thoroughly updated, the revised Third Edition expands coverage with new chapters on Legal Research and Writing, Tort Law, Contract Law, Family Law, Employment Law, and Equal Protection Law. Careful updating of information throughout the book includes refreshed Internet references to the text.

Hallmark features of An Introduction to Law and Legal Studies in the United States:

Solid overview of the system of law and government

Readability, accessibility

Provides the basics for any role in the legal system

lawyer or paralegal career

political science or criminal justice work

Practical applications to engage students with legal principles

mock trial experiences encouraged

chapter exercises review legal terms and concepts

activities engage students in discovery projects

Five part structure, comprehensive coverage

Basic Legal Concepts

Substantive Civil Law

Civil Law Procedure

Criminal Law Procedure

Administrative Due Process

Six cases illustrate major basic concepts

Explains difficult legal concepts in a reader-friendly format

Hypothetical cases reveal workings of judicial system in both criminal and civil cases

Differentiates civil, criminal, and administrative due process

Discusses history as well as contemporary state of law and current controversies

Pedagogically rich

Internet sources

key terms

case excerpts

research assignments

review exercises

discussion questions

Thoroughly updated, the revised Third Edition presents:

New chapters

Legal Research and Writing

Tort Law

Contract Law

Family Law

Employment Law

Equal Protection Law

Updated Internet references

New material, brought completely up-to-date