Law 101: Everything You Need to Know about the American Legal System by Jay M. Feinman Oxford University Press, USA

Product Description: Thanks to TV cop shows, most Americans can probably recite the Miranda warnings, but do they know when the warnings do--and do not--apply? Tort reformers cite the $2.7 million in punitive damages a jury awarded a little old lady in Albuquerque when the cup of coffee she had set between her legs spilled and scalded her. These crusaders against "excessive" damage awards do not usually note that the trial judge reduced the award to $480,000, or that the coffee was 20 degrees hotter than competitors' coffee.

The law is all around. People continually invoke their rights, and every year millions of Americans are involved in formal legal proceedings. Yet most people are ignorant of even the basic concepts and organizing principles of U.S. law. Into the breach comes Jay Feinman's engrossing book Law 101: Everything You Need to Know About the American Legal System. Akin to a crash course in the first year of law school, Law 101 is a clearly written, eminently readable guide to the tenets of our legal system. It is structured around basic questions such as "If a contract is unfair, can a court refuse to enforce it?" and replete with clarifying examples--real and hypothetical. In explaining battery, Feinman writes: "If someone consents to a certain bodily invasion, he does not necessarily consent to any bodily invasion, however. When Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield are in a boxing match, Holyfield has consented to Tyson punching him in the nose ... but he has not consented to Tyson biting off a piece of his ear." Much clearer.

Law 101 won't instruct you on how to write your will or get divorced, but it will educate you at a more systematic level. It is also a great read. --J.R.

Customer Reviews

4 stars Law student 101
As a first year law student, I purchased this book before the start of my semester hoping to have a little insight into what was about to come. The book is basic, informative and I find myself referring to it when we cover some less than crystal-clear topics in class. A great purchase for anyone even the least bit interested in how our legal sytem (should) work!

4 stars Great general overview
This book is a great general overview of our legal system, and law in general. He covers all aspects of law in an easy to read format - this book should be useful for anyone considering a law degree.

4 stars Good, but tough read.
Law 101 is nothing if not informative about our legal system and its roots in English Common Law, but it despite the author's best efforts, it reads like a reference book. The average person on the street would probably not be able to absorb much, despite what the blurbs on the jacket say, but it may be a good primer for potential law students.

5 stars Decent Overall Review of Law
The book basically does what it claims it's going to do. It gives you a clear and relatively simple overview of the American legal system. Furthermore, it constantly uses Supreme Court cases as a way of showing how certain laws were created and constantly changed over time as standards changed.

The writer doesn't get preachy or starts to discuss complicated theories and philosophies about law. He simply educates the reader on practical matters of our legal system. Some examples include how a typical case reaches the courtroom, the different kind of jobs attorneys and lawyers have, and how to write a legitimate will that will be recognized by law.

Overall, it's a great book for anyone that might be interested in Law School in the future or just someone that wants to be knowledgeable about the basic concepts of law.

5 stars excellent introduction to law
For those with an interest in learning what the law is all about, this is a really great place to start. As others have mentioned, it will be an excellent choice for those who are contemplating law school or paralegal studies. The author does a great job of condensing important information on a variety of different areas within the law, and making them interesting by putting the material into context with everyday life. Since the author wants to make the point that the law is something that can be accessible and understood by all, the writing is in a user-friendly and very readable style. This book is worthwhile and enjoyable reading for anyone with even the slightest interest in American law.

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