American Law and Legal Systems

by Calvi, James V; Coleman, Susan

• ISBN13: 9780205028184
• ISBN10: 0205028187
• Edition: 7th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-02-22
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Updated in a new 7th edition, American Law and Legal Systemsexamines the philosophy of law within a political, social, and economic framework with great clarity and insight. Readers are introduced to operative legal concepts, everyday law practices, substantive procedures, and the intricacies of the American legal system. Eliminating confusing legalese, the authors skillfully explain the basicsfrom how a lawsuit is filed to the final appeal. This new edition provides essential updates to forensic and scientific evidence, contract law, family law, and includes new text boxes and tables to help readers understand, remember, and apply central concepts.

Author Biography

James V. Calvi is Professor of Political Science at West Texas A&M University.

Susan Coleman is Director of Criminal Justice Program at West Texas A&M University.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
Introduction	p. 1
Functions of Law in Society	p. 2
Sources of Law in Society	p. 5
Kinds of Law	p. 8
Bob Jones University v. United States	p. 16
Conclusion	p. 19
Notes	p. 19
History and the Law	p. 21
Law Through the Ages	p. 22
The English Heritage	p. 30
The American Experience	p. 35
The American Legal Profession	p. 38
Conclusion	p. 41
Notes	p. 41
Court Organization	p. 44
The Federal Court System	p. 45
State Court Systems	p. 51
Judicial Selection	p. 56
Removal of Judges	p. 70
Republican Party of Minnesota v. White	p. 74
Conclusion	p. 77
Notes	p. 77
Procedure and Evidence	p. 81
Alternative Dispute Resolution	p. 82
Civil Procedure	p. 84
Criminal Procedure	p. 99
Rules of Evidence	p. 104
Conclusion	p. 117
Notes	p. 118
Limitations	p. 121
Judicial Restraint	p. 121
Legal Limitations	p. 129
Conclusion	p. 136
Notes	p. 136
Constitutional Law	p. 138
Judicial Review	p. 139
Constitutional Interpretation	p. 146
Major Constitutional Doctrines	p. 152
Conclusion	p. 170
Notes	p. 170
Criminal Law	p. 174
Characteristics of Criminal Law	p. 176
Elements of a Crime	p. 178
Procedural Criminal Law	p. 184
Punishment	p. 196
Juvenile Justice	p. 203
Two Case Studies in Criminal Law	p. 208
Conclusion	p. 213
Notes	p. 214
Administrative Law	p. 219
Delegation Theory	p. 221
Judicial Review and Administrative Law	p. 231
Conclusion	p. 235
Notes	p. 235
Environmental Law	p. 237
Environmental Law Jurisprudence	p. 238
Major Environmental Legislation	p. 242
Issues of Environmental Law	p. 246
Two Case Studies in Environmental Law	p. 254
Conclusion	p. 257
Notes	p. 257
Torts	p. 260
Negligence	p. 261
Intentional Torts	p. 267
Strict Liability	p. 274
Product Liability	p. 274
General Tort Defenses	p. 275
Conclusion	p. 276
Notes	p. 277
Contracts	p. 279
Contractual Terms of Art	p. 280
Formation of Contracts	p. 280
Breach of Contract	p. 286
Rules of Construction	p. 288
Uniform Commercial Code	p. 290
Consumer Law	p. 293
Business Relationships	p. 295
Conclusion	p. 298
Notes	p. 299
Property	p. 301
Estates	p. 302
Inception of Title and Liens	p. 309
Probate and Succession	p. 312
Trusts and Gifts	p. 317
Intellectual Property	p. 318
Conclusion	p. 325
Notes	p. 326
Family Law	p. 331
Role of the State in Family Relationships	p. 331
Marriage	p. 334
Dissolution of Marriage	p. 340
The Parent-Child Relationship	p. 349
Conclusion	p. 354
Notes	p. 355
Conclusion	p. 358
Law as Protector and Oppressor	p. 359
Law and Politics	p. 360
Law and Society	p. 361
Law and Economics	p. 362
Final Reflections	p. 363
Notes	p. 364
Appendix: Legal Research	p. 365
Glossary	p. 375
Table of Cases	p. 389
Index	p. 393
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