Order in the Court: A Writer's Guide to the Legal System (Behind the Scenes) [Paperback]

David S. Mullally (Author)

Book Description

Series: Behind the Scenes | Publication Date: November 1999

Few topics are as fascinating and as complicated as the U.S. legal system-which is why this guide will be welcomed by writers of mystery, romance, thrillers, crime fictions, screenplays and more. It breaks down the complex interworkings of the law and its professionals to help writers build intriguing, credible stories based on accurate facts and details. Using easy-to-reference lists, charts and descriptions, Order In the Court covers virtually everything, from crimes and cases to prisoners' rights. In addition, a detailed 'map' describes the names, places and objects within a typical courtroom, and a thorough glossary helps authors use legal slang and terminology correctly.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

David Mullally has been a trial lawyer for more than 20 years. He has worked with public defenders and district attorneys, and in his private practice, he has tried criminal and civil cases involving adults and minors.

Product Details

• Paperback: 276 pages
• Publisher: Writers Digest Books; 1st edition (November 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898798582
• ISBN-13: 978-0898798586
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,293,309 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't miss it!, January 25, 2000

By 

Perri O'Shaughnessy, attorney-author (Hawaii, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Order in the Court: A Writer's Guide to the Legal System (Behind the Scenes) (Paperback)

At last, a comprehensive, current, and well-written guide for writers to the American legal system! "Order in the Court" covers just about any question a writer could have about law, from legal history to criminal procedure to the ins and outs of every kind of civil law. In fact, although the purpose of "Order in the Court" is to assist writers in finding titles, developing plots, and adding to the authenticity of their legal scenes, this book is so entertaining and informative that the general reader with an interest in law shouldn't be without it. As a lawyer and writer, I have been looking for a summary of law that I could consult in my daily writing, that would save me from a trip to the law library or a frustrating Internet search. "Order in the Court" is all I need to write a courtroom drama, legal mystery, or any book dealing with the law. Mr. Mullally, an experienced attorney, is able to take complex legal cases and concepts and explain them simply and accurately. He also illustrates many aspects of law with actual and often bizarre and fascinating cases which will fire up the writer's imagination. The Appendices include a very helpful and up-to-date section on research resources. One of the best sections in "Order in the Court" is a detailed outline of a civil trial, from the moment the client walks in the office door to the appeal of the case. Writers will feel that they are actually involved in the day-to-day operation of a law practice, as Mr. Mullally uses his own experience to make practicing law come alive. This is the definitive reference book to consult for writers who want to sound like they've spent the last twenty years hanging around the courthouse. It will pay for itself a thousand times over in royalties over the years. Don't miss it!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book will give writers a solid footing in court procedures, March 7, 2000

By 

Excerpts from book review by "THE HERALD... - See all my reviews

This review is from: Order in the Court: A Writer's Guide to the Legal System (Behind the Scenes) (Paperback)

"...(A) comprehensive guide to the American legal system that is designed specifically to give writers a solid grounding in how the courts function...Mullally discusses everything-from various types of offenses, their prosecution and their penalties to how juries are selected and then how they deliberate...The author walks his audience through a typical day at the courthouse, how the proceedings unfold in both civil and criminal cases, plus how law enforcement officials conduct search-and-seizure operations...Sprinkled throughout the book are highlighted 'story ideas', which should get the creative juices flowing in any writer...Not only will "Order in the Court" prove to be a valuable resource for writers, but anyone interested in an overview of the judicial system will find this an excellent reference."

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a fine book!, January 24, 2000

By 

Margot Petit Nichols, Carmel Pine Cone (Carmel, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Order in the Court: A Writer's Guide to the Legal System (Behind the Scenes) (Paperback)

"Order in the Court", written by local attorney David S. Mullally, is really a good read-not only for those who want to better understand our legal system, but for mystery and crime book buffs, as well-both readers and writers. Actually written as a writer's guide to the legal system, the book provides clear explanations-in layman's terms-of crimes, defenses and punishments, search and seizure, arrest and confessions and civil law. And what's even better, Mullally outlines a criminal trial and a civil trial, taking us through the various steps and stages of each right through to appeal. What a fine book! A glossary of legal terms and resources for research are included, too. Reviewed by Margot Petit Nichols for THE CARMEL PINE CONE, Newspaper, Carmel, California.