Communicating the Law: Lessons from Landmark Legal Cases

A U.S. citizen constructs a car bomb to blow up a federal building. A popular sports figure is accused of domestic abuse and murder. Cities nationwide enact no-smoking laws. The Catholic Church agrees to pay millions of dollars to victims of priests' sexual abuse. These and other highly publicized, once unthinkable issues and events have been pivotal in America's legal history and are showcased in this compelling examination of how communication is at the core of legal processes. Schuetz familiarizes readers first with contemporary and conventional theories of communication (discourse, language, argumentation, narrative, dramatism, and games), and then with fundamental legal principles, procedures, and protocols. Next, through one or more of the communication lenses previously discussed, she examines and analyzes how the communication of attorneys, defendants, witnesses, and judges inside the courtroom and of the media outside the courtroom affect the dynamics and, in some instances, the outcome of nine legal cases. An awareness of such communication perspectives when one observes a trial, reads or sees a media representation of a legal proceeding, or engages in critical analysis of a legal practice or process broadens understanding and fosters the ability to have informed opinions about meaningful social agendas.

"A timely and necessary book. It is obviously good for pre-law students, but I think it has broad application for students planning careers in any field with a civic aspect. Students need to have a better understanding of how law happens in this country, and how courts are influenced by rhetoric. This text is a great place to begin that inquiry." -- Christine A. Geyer, Syracuse University

"I have been wishing for a book like this for years. It fills a gap in the legal communication area." -- Lawrence A. Hosman, University of Southern Mississippi

"This book comes at a time when legal issues are in vogue and the media showcase the mystique of this world. The first two chapters do an excellent job of setting the stage both theoretically and practically, citing important information in an accessible manner for undergraduate students. The foundations in Communication Perspectives are especially well done! The Legal Rules chapter helps immensely in framing the moves and language of the law." -- Susan Cook, Metropolitan State College

"This book has the unique quality of embracing my two fields of interest: law and communication. I haven't found too many books that do that!" -- Katrina Hoch, University of California, San Diego