NCJ Number
84198
Date Published
1982
Length
122 pages
Annotation
Written for high school students, this textbook discusses the importance of law, the roots of American law, the organization of the legal system, sources of law, trial procedures, legal relations, and law categories.
Abstract
It explains why laws are needed, the meaning and use of law, law and values, and why the law changes. The text traces the history of law from primitive societies through civil and common law systems to adoption of the American Constitution. It explains the Federal system, the judicial system, and administrative agencies; sources of law (constitutions, statutes, judicial decisions, administrative rules and regulations, and administrative decisions); and the trial, including the adversary process and separation of functions. The authors also consider legal relations, with emphasis on relations between (1) government and private citizens and (2) between private persons. The text explains classification of laws, public and private law, criminal and civil law, substantive and procedural law, and evidence. Each chapter lists objectives and contains a review of pertinent terms and ideas. Tables, word games, footnotes, an index, a glossary, and an appendix of two case decisions are provided.