Law 101: Everything You Need to Know about the American Legal System

by Jay M. Feinman

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"In this fifth edition of his bestselling classic, Jay Feinman provides an authoritative and up-to-date overview of the American legal system. 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. Above all, Feinman reveals to readers of all kinds that despite its complexities and quirks, the law can be understood show more by everyone"-- show less

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Member Reviews

4 reviews
This is probably the best general-interest summary of the US legal system that I've found so far. Does a broad overview of the major areas (tort, civil procedure, criminal law, etc.) while also presenting them in a structured way and introducing general concepts and ways of thinking applicable across domains. Does a great job of presenting examples and guiding to reader to see how they could be addressed in multiple ways, and inviting the reader to think about why the law is the way it is, rather than just memorizing existing rules. I wish there were other books in this series which went more in depth into the various domains (since I'm unlikely to go to law school myself.)
Part of it was subject matter part of it was writing style but I found this book pretty boring. I realize that there are only a couple areas of law that are of any interest to me. And the writing style felt very jumpy which meant it took me forever to get into and finish this book. I do think that he covered an amazing amount of a material and presented a lot of it in as understandable way as could be.
It pisses me off that there's a book containing everything I need to know about the American legal system when I'm dropping 30 grand a year for law school. This little jewel was on the summer reading list before my 1L year. Didn't read it; I don't read assigned books on my time.

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Author Information

6 Works 602 Members
Jay M. Feinman is Distinguished Professor of Law at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, School of Law at Camden.

Some Editions

Lynch, Kathleen M. (Cover designer)
Russell, Bill (Cover artist)

Common Knowledge

Original publication date
2006
Dedication
To Leah and Keith,
and, always, Carole
First words
Law is everywhere. (Preface)
Americans are fascinated by the law.
Last words
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)If so, congratulations -- and welcome to the law.
Blurbers
Gordon, Robert W.; Tomain, Joseph P.; Macaulay, Donald

Classifications

Genres
Politics and Government, Nonfiction, General Nonfiction
DDC/MDS
349.73Society, Government, and CultureLawLaw of specific jurisdictions, areas, socioeconomic regions, regional intergovernmental organizationsNorth AmericaUnited States
LCC
KF387 .F45LawLaw of the United StatesLaw of the United States (Federal)General and comprehensive works
BISAC

Statistics

Members
500
Popularity
59,986
Reviews
3
Rating
½ (3.50)
Languages
Dutch, English, Spanish
Media
Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
ISBNs
21
ASINs
4