The American Legal System: Perspectives, Politics, Processes, and Policies

Melone, Albert P.; Karnes, Allan

ISBN 10: 0742547531 / ISBN 13: 9780742547537

Published by Rowman & Littlefield, 2007

About this Item

Seller Inventory # I-9780742547537

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The American Legal System: Perspectives, Politics, Processes, and Policies
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
• Publication Date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0742547531
• ISBN 13: 9780742547537
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Firmly anchored in social science concepts, the second edition of The American Legal System demonstrates the relationships among private law, the business legal environment, and public law issues, as well as related subjects of interest. This fifteen-chapter book is divided into three parts. Part I places the legal system in a political perspective centering on the origins of the law, schools of jurisprudence, branches and functions of law, legitimacy of law, how the judiciary functions in the federal system of government, and judicial interpretation and decision making. Part II contrasts legal processes: civil suits for money damages, criminal processes, equity justice, administrative processes, and alternative dispute resolution. Part III centers on the legal norms or rules governing both civil and criminal conduct, property law, family law, contract law, and government regulation of business.

Throughout, the text features edited court opinions-many new to this edition-illustrating lively and thought-provoking controversies that are certain to spark student interest. Among the many compelling issues addressed are the legal and constitutional controversies surrounding the Bush Administration's "War on Terror," and the socially explosive developments concerning same-sex marriage. In addition, each chapter includes at least three comparative notes showing how other legal cultures in different nation-states treat legal matters. A wealth of pedagogical features-chapter-opening objectives; key terms, names, and concepts; a glossary, discussion questions, and appendices-are included to aid student comprehension. The authors have prepared an Instructor's Manual and Test Bank to facilitate the book's use in the classroom.

About the Author

Albert P. Melone is professor emeritus of political science at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Allan Karnes is the KPMG Tax Research Professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.