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This book is exceptional in the sense that it provides an introduction to law in general rather than the law of one specific jurisdiction, and it presents a unique way of looking at legal education. It is crucial for lawyers to be aware of the different ways in which societal problems can be solved and to be able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different legal solutions. In this respect, being a lawyer involves being able to reason like a lawyer, even more than having detailed knowledge of particular sets of rules. Introduction to Law reflects this view by focusing on the functions of rules and on ways of arguing the relative qualities of alternative legal solutions. Where ‘positive’ law is discussed, the emphasis is on the legal questions that must be addressed by a field of law and on the different solutions which have been adopted by, for instance, the common law and civil law tradition. The law of specific jurisdictions is discussed to illustrate possible answers to questions such as when the existence of a valid contract is assumed.

The fundamental rules, court cases, concepts and trends of each key subject in American law are presented in a narrative tailored to the reader without an American legal background. Each chapter covers a major area of law, summarizes the leading doctrines, analyzes recurring, current and developing trends, highlights areas of contemporary debate, offers streamlined versions of precedent-setting cases, raises questions for further discussion, and lists important vocabulary words.This book is ideal for readers who want to understand the contemporary American legal system at a more than superficial level, but who are not currently studying to become American lawyers. The style, organization and content make the book attractive for such readers as those planning on entering law school; paralegal assistants; students of American law outside of the United States; American undergraduates taking a course in American law and/or in a pre-law program; and graduate level students in subjects other than American law. The size, weight and price of the book are tailored to make the book attractive to students.

The Law of the United States offers an introduction and overview of the American legal system. With an emphasis throughout on up-to-date case law and current literature, it is an ideal first point of entry for students and practitioners alike, and a starting point for further independent research. Professor Hay provides a concise and straightforward explanation of the law and legal vocabulary, as well as an introduction to the different types of law and legal techniques. He explains the role of Congress, the Executive and the Courts, and clarifies the mechanisms behind the branches of public and private law in the United States. He introduces the reader to the complexities of federal and state law, emphasizing that the many areas of public law and virtually all areas of private law are the separate law of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the (U.S.-dependent) Territories in which common language, legal tradition, and culture have served to bring about a basic legal unity. Several private law areas (contract law, torts, family law, succession) receive detailed treatment, as do criminal law and procedure. The book provides detailed references to legislation, case law, and the literature, up-to-date through early 2016. Four appendices present a detailed case study with commentary to aid the civil law reader in understanding of the case law system; the text of the U.S. Constitution (referred to in several contexts throughout the book); a geographic map of the U.S. federal court system; and information on the Legal Profession in the United States.

An Introduction to Constitutional Law teaches the narrative of constitutional law as it has developed historically and provides the essential background to understand how this foundational body of law has come to be what it is today. This multimedia experience combines a book and video series to engage students more directly in the study of constitutional law. All students—even those unfamiliar with American history—will garner a firm understanding of how constitutional law has evolved. An eleven-hour online video library brings the Supreme Court’s most important decisions to life. Videos are enriched by photographs, maps, and audio from the Supreme Court. The book and videos are accessible for all levels: law school, college, high school, home school, and independent study. Students can read and watch these materials before class to prepare for lectures or study after class to fill in any gaps in their notes. And, come exam time, students can binge-watch the entire canon of constitutional law in about twelve hours.

An excellent introduction or refresher in the United States legal system for all,especially students and foreign audiences.