A solid reference for both the everyday and the unexpected legal issues, written by practicing attorneys Law 101 is an essential reference that explains: How laws are made How the court system works How each area of the law impacts your daily life Key information for important questions: How does a lawsuit begin? How do civil and criminal law differ? When do state laws trump federal laws? What makes a contract solid? What can you expect if called as a juror? What can you expect if called as a witness? And other complex areas of the law that you need to know. No home reference shelf is complete without this indispensible guide. The new edition also includes information on legal subjects that have become more important recently, including alternative dispute resolution, privacy rights, and Internet law.

In each of the first three editions of the bestselling Law 101, Jay Feinman gave readers an upbeat and vivid examination of the American legal system. Since the third edition was published in 2010, much has happened: several key Supreme Court cases have been decided, we've seen sensational criminal trials, and the legal system has had to account for the latest developments in Internet law. This fully updated fourth edition of Law 101 accounts for all this and more, as Feinman once again provides a clear introduction to American law. The book covers all the main subjects taught in the first year of law school, and discusses every facet of the American legal tradition, including constitutional law, the litigation process, and criminal, property, and contracts law. To accomplish this, Feinman brings in the most noteworthy, infamous, and often outrageous examples and cases. We learn about the case involving scalding coffee that cost McDonald's half a million dollars, the murder trial in Victorian London that gave us the legal definition of insanity, and the epochal decision of Marbury vs. Madison that gave the Supreme Court the power to declare state and federal law unconstitutional. A key to learning about the law is learning legal vocabulary, and Feinman helps by clarifying terms like "due process" and "equal protection," as well as by drawing distinctions between terms like "murder" and "manslaughter." Above all, though, is that Feinman reveals to readers of all kinds that despite its complexities and quirks, the law is can be understood by everyone. Perfect for students contemplating law school, journalists covering legislature, or even casual fans of "court-television" shows, Law 101 is a clear and accessible introduction to the American legal system. New to this edition: Featured analysis of: -the Obamacare case -Citizens United -the DOMA decision -the Trayvon Martin case As well as recent legal developments pertaining to: -online contracting -mortgages -police investigations -criminal sentencing

Do you know your legal rights and responsibilities if you’re buying or selling a home, applying for a job, or getting a divorce? Are you baffled by the legalese used in contracts, insurance policies, warranties, and other documents? If you want to protect both yourself and your family from the many legal problems that have become commonplace in today’s society, you don’t need a law degree—all you need is a basic understanding of the law. Whether you’re a consumer, employee, or small business owner, Law For Dummies will help you discover your legal rights, responsibilities, and obligations in a wide range of areas. Best of all, this friendly guide will also improve your understanding of how to use laws without resorting to attorneys! You can use this book to answer specific questions about the law as it relates to particular areas of your life or you can use it as a guide to low-cost or no-cost sources of legal advice, including government agencies and nonprofit organizati ons. Law For Dummies is packed with the tools and resources you need to make informed legal decisions. You’ll become familiar with a variety of laws that can affect you personally—from retirement, health care, and housing laws to personal finance, employment, divorce, and privacy laws. You’ll also discover how to: Make sense of the U.S. legal system Resolve legal problems as quickly as possible with a minimum amount of money and stress Correct errors on your credit report Prepare wills and other legal documents Avoid legal hassles when running a business Protect your rights at work Collect child support If you’re like many Americans today, you probably feel overwhelmed by the rules, regulations, and red tape that seem to govern and complicate every aspect f your daily life. With Law For Dummies you can boost your legal know-how and solve a number of everyday legal problems that may come your way.