American Law: An Introduction

Rating:
Summary: An excellent introduction to the American legal system
Review: If you want a reasonably good understanding of the what, how, and why of the American legal system without having to go to law and grad school, this is the book for you. Friedman, in just over 300 pages of text, manages to cover the entire field of law in America, from legislation through administration to judgment, from the workings of the local sewer district to the trappings of the Supreme Court.

Friedman is a renowned legal scholar, but this should not scare away the legal neophyte. He has done a remarkable thing for a renowned scholar to do -- he has written an introduction that truly is an introduction! The writing is clear, straightforward, and devoid of all but the most essential legal jargon, and, when the jargon is unavoidable, it is clearly explained. Further, the book is notable for its lack of endless recitation of court decisions. While Friedman disscusses most of the important cases, he does not expect the reader to slog through them. And he is excellent at connecting the cases -- and the law in general -- to real-life events easily within the experience of ordinary people.

If you are already familiar with American law you will probably learn nothing new here. It is, nevertheless, a good, refreshing read. Finally, for those of us that teach in this area, particularly in undergraduate education, this is an excellent teaching book.