Legal Terminology (3rd Edition) - Softcover

Gordon W. Brown

Softcover

ISBN 10: 013260373X ISBN 13: 9780132603737

Publisher: Prentice Hall, 1998

Synopsis

Structured into short, easily digested chapters; clear, concise explanations of the law; and easy-to-understand definitions, this book introduces over 1,375 legal terms. Written in a lively, nonthreatening style, this book emphasizes an understanding of legal terminology through a study of the law by presenting legal terms within the context of laws in which they are used. It provides a number of aids for the reader, such as a Glossary of Latin Terms and Phrases (with pronunciation) inside the front and back covers as well as sample legal forms, legal documents, maps, and cartoons. The third edition of Legal Terminology has been revised to include expanded and improved coverage, adding more than 225 legal terms since the previous edition. A new feature, Constitutionally Wise, highlights commonly used terms relating to the U.S. Constitution. It now also includes a Glossary of Legal Terms. An essential reference book for any reader who needs a greater understanding of current legal terminology and its usage.

About this title

About the Author

Director of Personnel, Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities Services; Adjunct Faculty, Pulaski Technical College; B.A. from Rhodes College; Juris Doctor from University of Arkansas

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Legal Terminology, Fourth Edition, is written with the best interests of the student in mind. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of legal terminology through the study of law itself and on using legal terminology in many different ways rather than relying solely on learning through rote memory. Short, easy-to-understand chapters written in a manner designed to capture student interest continue to be a highlight of the text. The law with its unique terminology is presented in short segments, followed by many activities that enable students to work with scores of legal terms and concepts. At the end of each chapter, students answer questions about the subject matter in a section entitled "Reviewing What you Learned." A segment called "Understanding Legal Concepts" allows students to check their understanding of legal theory. Next, students confirm their knowledge by completing a "Checking Terminology" assignment, followed by a project in "Using Legal Language." Finally, for reinforcement, students puzzle over what they learned by completing a crossword brainteaser.

New Features

In addition to keeping abreast of changes in the law, this edition of Legal Terminology has many new features. Each chapter begins with a question intended to whet the students' appetite by testing them on the meaning of a legal term or concept before they study the chapter. The list of key terms that begins each chapter now includes the phonetic pronunciations of many terms. Similarly, the comprehensive "Glossary of Legal Terms" at the end of the text includes the same phonetic pronunciations. A new feature called "Web Wise" has been added to assist students with Internet research, and eye-catching etchings from the Library of Congress supplement Wiley's Non Sequitur cartoons to help spark student interest.

The number of legal terms presented in this edition exceeds 1,400. Newly discussed topics include the stop and frisk rule, the castle doctrine, e-signature, e-commerce, DNA evidence, the ripeness doctrine, plenary jurisdiction, medical directives and health care declarations, slayer statutes, simultaneous death rules, incorporation by reference, degrees of kindred, homestead laws, the gift tax, moiety, usufruct, and covenant marriage.

Teaching and Learning Resources

The Legal Terminology program is supported by an online course materials available through www.prenhall.com/legal-studies. This web site contains information relevant to all areas of law. Features include:

Legal Series Newsletter
Keep up with the trends in the legal profession. New cases, changing laws, and industry trends affect a paralegal's research and decision-making process.

Legal Resources
There are many resources available in the legal field that will assist you with your legal studies. We offer several options to help you begin your search to find additional information.

Ask the Expert
Talk with REAL PEOPLE about the Legal Field.

Study Hall
Provides tools for student use in getting through legal coursework as well as specific practice and materials related to the curriculum.

Educators Consortium
This section is just for instructors and is access code protected.

The Instructor's Manual includes a complete test bank and furnishes the answers to all chapter questions and end-of-chapter exercises.

Edition details

• Publisher: Prentice Hall
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 013260373X
• ISBN 13: 9780132603737
• Binding: Spiral-bound
• Language: English
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 444