The best-selling first edition of Law 101 provided readers with a vividly written and indispensable portrait of our nation's legal system. Now, in this revised edition, Jay M. Feinman offers an updated survey of American law, spiced with new anecdotes and cases, and incorporating fresh material on topics ranging from the President's war powers, to intellectual property, standard form contracts, and eminent domain.
Here is an exceptionally clear introduction to law, covering the main subjects found in the first year of law school, giving us a basic understanding of how it all works. Readers are introduced to every aspect of the legal system, from constitutional law and the litigation process to tort law, contract law, property law, and criminal law. Feinman illuminates each discussion with many intriguing, outrageous, and infamous cases, from the scalding coffee case that cost McDonald's half a million dollars, to the sensational murder trial in Victorian London that led to the legal definition of insanity, to the epochal decision in Marbury v. Madison that gave the Supreme Court the power to declare state and federal laws unconstitutional. He broadens the reader's legal vocabulary, clarifying the meaning of everything from "due process" and "equal protection" in constitutional law, to the distinction between "murder" and "manslaughter" in criminal law. Perhaps most important, we learn that though the law is voluminous and complex, it is accessible to all.
Everyone who wants a better grasp of current legal issues--from students contemplating law school, to journalists covering the legislature or the courts, to fans of Court TV--will find here a wonderful source of information: a complete, clear, and colorful map of the American legal system.
"An entertaining and informative introduction to the law.... For journalists, those interested in the law, and fans of television law dramas, this book should be required reading."--Library Journal
book fine. service less so 3 out of 5
I ordered 36 copies of Fineberg's book from Amazon only to learn, midway through the process, that Amazon could not deliver. Fortunately, I was able to fill the balance of the order in time for the Teachers' Law School, a once-a-year event involving 35 Texas social studies and government teachers, all of whom travel to Austin from all across the state. Despite Amazon's inability to serve, I want to thank one of your customer service agents who made an attempt to track and complete the order to which Amazon had committed.
PRODUCTIVE 4 out of 5
That seems to be easy to praise good works... nothing better than being into the Law affairs through this complete manual.
Absolutely worth it 5 out of 5
This book is perhaps the best of the intro to law books out there. I haven't read very many of those but I've skimmed through a number of them. So take my claim for what it's worth. I would also recommend this to soon to be 1L's.
good intro to law book 4 out of 5
i recommend for people with basic law understanding that want to learn a bit more. book is not too in depth, but detailed enough where one can learn about US law. also good to read before starting law school to freshen up on our legal system.
Excellent Reading for everyone 5 out of 5
This should be required reading for all students at a High School level and beyond.
