An Introduction to American Law

The fourth edition of this book has been updated to cover essential developments in American law. Since the third edition, the Supreme Court has changed course on abortion and its approach to freedom of religion. It has also rebuffed government attempts to limit the possession of guns. The new edition reflects these decisions, while presenting the fundamental rules, court cases, concepts, and trends of key subjects in American law in a narrative that is tailored to the reader who may not have an American legal background. Each chapter offers streamlined versions of illustrative cases, summarizes the leading doctrines, analyzes trends, highlights areas of contemporary debate, raises questions for further discussion, and lists important vocabulary. The book allows students from anywhere to learn American law through cases, as American lawyers do, but also provides the context they may need to make sense of the opinions.

This book is ideal for those who want to understand the contemporary American legal system at more than a superficial level, but who are not currently studying to become American lawyers. The style, organization, and content make it useful for a variety of readers: those planning to enter law school, legal assistants, students of American law outside the United States, LL.M. students from other countries, American undergraduates taking a course in American law in a pre-law program, and graduate-level students in areas impacted by American law.