Introduction to Law (2nd Edition) [Hardcover]

Joanne Banker Hames (Author), Yvonne Ekern (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0130138290 | ISBN-13: 978-0130138293 | Publication Date: November 29, 2001 | Edition: 2

For courses in Introduction to Law, Introduction to American Law, and Introduction to Paralegalism. This book provides students with an interesting introduction to law presented in an effective skill-building format. It explains the basics of the U.S. legal system, focusing first on organization and operation, then introducing students to the major areas of law practice and the legal principles that apply. Throughout the text, legal concepts are defined and explored in a clear, concise manner--with numerous hypothetical case examples to demonstrate the application of theory. Varied exercises help students develop strong legal vocabulary and analytic skills.

Editorial Reviews

Review

" ... covers all the major topics ... with more clarity than I have seen in the past ... this is an exceedingly thorough book ... an excellent source for the beginning student and will afford the professor enough leeway to plan a variety of course approaches." — Mercedes Prieto Alsonso-Knapp, Florida International University

"The writing style is clear and concise. It is written in a very easy to understand fashion which will be appreciated by college students at all levels ... it is an excellent book!" — Laura Barnard, Lakeland Community College

From the Back Cover

Now in its Second Edition, INTRODUCTION TO LAW has built on a strong foundation a timely and comprehensive reference.

• The chapter on Civil vs. Criminal Law provides an overview of both areas.
• The Technology Corner stresses the impact of technology on legal practices.
• Opinions and cases are introduced right from the start.
• The Companion Website and complete Instructor's Resource offer tools for learning.
• Critical Ethics issues are covered as the apply in each area of the law.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 540 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 2 edition (November 29, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130138290
• ISBN-13: 978-0130138293
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #912,206 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Paralegal Primer, Reference, & Refresher Text!, October 12, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Introduction to Law (Hardcover)

I love Introduction to Law by Joanne Banker Hames and Yvonne Ekern! You may wonder why I feel so passionate about a textbook? When I took an Introduction to Law course four years ago, a text like this wasn't available. I desired a text that would provide a good foundation and overview for my paralegal education. Since a good text was not available at the time, the instructor chose to put together a series of handouts to supplement his lectures. You can imagine how excited I was to come across such an excellent text as this one, that provides an overview of the law, as well as a reference, a refresher, and resource for years to come.

The topics begin with the American Legal System and finish with the continually growing field of Law and Technology. Each chapter is organized to take the student on an interactive educational experience into the paralegal field. Chapter summaries are provided at the end of each section along with questions to review. Case law is incorporated into each chapter to deepen the student's understanding of the area of law discussed, as well as introduce the student to reading case law and applying it to the chapter topic. Case questions provide students the intellectual challenge to utilize abstract thinking skills necessary for a paralegal's success both in school and on the job.

The text provides the necessary foundation for a paralegal program to build their curriculum from. It will constantly be referred to throughout the student's other courses.

If you are just beginning your paralegal education; if you've just graduated and are looking for an excellent overview of the law; or if you are a teacher in search of the perfect text for your class; look no further.

I hope this is the first of many paralegal texts to come from Yvonne Ekern and Joanne Banker Hames!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All introductory books should be like this., February 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Introduction to Law (Hardcover)

Both informative (covering the "high points" or notable and interesting aspects of law) and well-written so you can read it straight through and get a lot out of it. The best starting point I have seen for beginning to learn about law.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Former Student Speaks, February 10, 2000

By 

Dana Ferri - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to Law (Hardcover)

I read this book for a class I took from Joanne Hames, one of the authors, at the paralegal program I attend. I found the book very well- organized and practical. The subject matter not only covers all the basics, but it also equips the paralegal to succeed in today's high-tech law office. Also, the "Ethical Choices" and "Paralegals on the Job" sections in each chapter make the book quite dynamic. The authors of this book are experienced attorneys who know the law and are abreast of everything relevant to the modern paralegal.