Customer Reviews

Black's Law Dictionary (Pocket), 3rd Edition

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

You can probably get all the defs of the words you need off of Westlaw, but it's much more convenient to have this book next to you for you to thumb through real quick. I'm half-way through my first semester and my book is already roughed up and tattered from use.

While this dictionary is not bad, I've found that I encounter many terms in law school that are not in there. Then I'll do an internet search and find that missing term, usually with ease. Now I usually check the internet first. Really the only reason to buy a legal dictionary, like any dictionary, is if you think you will need it because you would have no computer or internet access. Otherwise, save your money.

As a working librarian, I had this valuable dictionary near my desk through several incarnations. Patrons searching to understand their insurance policies, a court order, a contract and other legal documents expected the librarian to know all the words. With "Black's Law Dictionary" we were able to decipher most of the jargon to the patron's satisfaction.
I have added it to my personal writing reference shelf to make sure a character is using the proper term and it is spelled correctly in our stories.
Nash Black, author of "Qualifying Laps" and "Taxes, Stumbling Blocks for Authors 2007."

It's really a pocket size. You can carry it on your backpack along with your notebook pc and other books. Has the basic terms, but it's ok for classes.

The only disapointing problem about this "digital" Bundle is that there is NO software. Instead you download a kind of "browser" that is in your toolbar, Much like a Google/Yahoo toolbar. So if you are off line, this does not work, disappointing to me. It is not as readily accessible as a software install that is always there when you need it. I have gained more use from the book than the software, so I would recommend you buy something else for your $$ such as the full version of Black's Law than this software. You can copy/cut and paste the info from the website directly into your paperwork is a good benefit though.

Although much smaller than the full text version, this one still gets annoying in the backpack all day. However, I must say I use it often and more frequently than I use online dictionaries...

FOR THE YEAR THIS BOOK WAS PRINTED THE LEXICOGRAPHICAL ENTRIES WERE VERY ACCURATE. ADDING THE U.S. CONSTITUTION TO THE APPENDIX WAS A NICE BONUS.

If you need a Black's that does not weigh a ton for schlepping to class this is paperback edition is perfect. It is also great if you cannot afford the hardbound edition right away. Yes, you will still need to buy the giant hardbound edition eventually for the more complex terms but, for a quick look up in class, this edition cannot be beat. Do not be surprised if your classmates ask to borrow it. This edition of Black's would make a great gift for a pre-law or paralegal student.

I was worried that the pocket edition would not have enough information in it, but I haven't looked up a word that was not in it yet. I've been in law school for five weeks now and I feel like I've spent about as much time reading Black's as actually reading case books. But you should note that the book is not actually pocket size, it is more like a paperback novel size.

but you know, the thing about the internet is that you just don't need this very frequently. but if you've got to have a dictionary, do yourself a favor and get the paperback.