Introduction to Law (West Legal Studies Series) [Hardcover]

Beth Walston-Dunham (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1401834620 | ISBN-13: 978-1401834623 | Publication Date: August 26, 2003 | Edition: 4

Introduction to Law is designed to provide the novice with a basic yet thorough understanding of the American legal system from a variety of perspectives. Initially, the text examines governmental structures to demonstrate how each plays a role in the creation and enforcement of legal standards. Then, the material illustrates the roles of various legal professionals from judges to law office support personnel with respect to how they contribute to a working legal system and the importance of ethical conduct for all these individuals. And, the text introduces the major subject areas of law in terms of basic principles and terminology. The material keeps students' interest through discussions of current issues in such areas as procedure, torts, probate and domestic relations. Students will further develop their understanding of the material through a variety of text and Internet assignments, as well as a discussion of a new case, in each chapter.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"My reaction to this textbook is very favorable. It was a great review of legal concepts and I can see students enjoying this book. It is well-written and straightforward; it is a high-quality product. If I had to recommend a book for paralegal students, this would be near the top of my list." --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 744 pages
• Publisher: Delmar Cengage Learning; 4 edition (August 26, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401834620
• ISBN-13: 978-1401834623
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 8.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #280,876 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First Interesting Textbook I Ever Read, June 9, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Introduction To Law (West Legal Studies) (Hardcover)

I ordered this book as a requirement for an introductory paralegal course and was at first a little aprehensive about the books thickness. I started out knowing absolutely nothing about the law, the government, or the internal workings of the legal system. This book teaches the beginnings of modern law and the influences of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. The basics of many common areas of law are also covered such as contracts, probate, property, torts, criminal law, family law, and many more. This book teaches a great amount of useful information in an easy to read and easy to understand format. Plenty of possible real life scenarios are used as examples as well as real cases to help you dive deeper into the subject you are trying to grasp. This is the first school textbook I've ever actually enjoyed reading from. Key terms are boldened for easier reference and studying. For anyone interested in learning about a variety of beginning law topics, it is definately an investment worth making.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a MUST for future law students, June 13, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Introduction To Law (West Legal Studies) (Hardcover)

I have purchased a number of law-related books from Amazon, but this book is by far the standout of the bunch. It systematically covers all of the major topics covered in the courses offered at every law school in the US comprehensively, even explaining the case briefing process. This new edition incorporates actual case law, allowing you to sample the work done at law school before actual signing your loan check and taking the plunge. Dunham clearly explains all of the basic terminology and principles underlying the first year of law school, providing the law student-to-be a firm foundation and a peace of mind before starting classes. I recommend this book without reservation to ANYONE interested in law school or interested in bulking up on their knowledge of the substance and form of law in the United States.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Resource for Court Interpreters, October 27, 2009

By 

M. Thomas "CI, CT, NIC Master, SC:L" (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Introduction to Law (Hardcover)

Let me begin by saying that I have the "fourth edition" however my understanding is that there has not been that many changes with each edition. A colleague of mine has a much earlier edition (black and yellow cover), and yet when we compared them, they are very similar in content, layout, etc.

I am a court interpreter, and found this book to be a great resource. Each chapter covers a substantial amount of information that will fortify a court interpreter's kowledge and insight into the court proceeding that we may be working with. I found the bold headings as well as the chapter reviews especially helpful. I use this book quite often in my preparation once I know what type of case that I am assigned to work. For practicing court interpreters, this book will be a very nice addition to your library that you will likely use throughout your career.