An Introduction to Law, Law Study, and the Lawyer's Role

This newly updated volume takes a fresh, innovative look at the subject of law and what law study and the practice of law entail. Moliterno and Lederer's book, which combines a traditional academic viewpoint with elements of law practice and ethics, continues to be widely used in orientation and introductory courses.

The American legal system can be hard to understand. Going to law school is both difficult and anxiety-producing. Introduction to Law is designed to help in both areas. Written by two highly-experienced legal educators, Introduction to Law provides the reader with a written equivalent of William & Mary Law School's famous introductory law school week. Often light-hearted, this useful and pragmatic book combines an innovative introduction to the American legal system with material on how to read and understand court cases and, critically, the lawyer's interaction with the client.

All too often, legal texts ignore people, especially the client whose need for legal advice first engages the legal system. The text shows the reader how a lawyer must ascertain facts and goals from a client and then apply what the new lawyer (or law student) has learned about law and its interpretation to solve the client's problem. Revised in 2010 to be fresher, more readable, and more timely in its current events references, Introduction to Law is an ideal book for a soon-to-be law student or for anyone who wants a better understanding of how our legal system and lawyers function.

"... an excellent book ... Different students learn in different ways. Some learn best by reading an abstract analysis ... while others learn best by studying examples. [The authors have created] a range of materials that will appeal to various types of students ... I especially enjoyed the [teacher's manual's] transcripts of class discussions. This is an innovative technique that gives tremendous food for thought." — Roy D. Simon, Hofstra University School of Law, on the first edition