Introduction to Law

by Hames, Joanne Banker; Ekern, Yvonne

• ISBN13: 9780130138293
• ISBN10: 0130138290
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2002-01-01
• Publisher: Pearson College Div

Summary

Hames and Ekern's "Introduction to Law," 2e will teach students the basic legal concepts related to substantive and procedural law, introduces them to cases, statutes, and the constitution, and develops their legal vocabulary and analytical skills. A new chapter on constitutional law, expanded coverage of employment and environmental law, and information on technology makes this an excellent resource for any Introduction to Law course for all disciplines of study including pre-law, legal studies, and business programs. Using this text, your students will learn how to develop their own critical-thinking skills, read high-interest cases, expand their legal vocabulary and discuss case law and issues impacting today's legal system

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
Acknowledgments	xv
About the Authors	xvii
PART ONE: THE LEGAL SYSTEM
The Legal Community and Professional Responsibility	1	(23)
Chapter Outline	1	(1)
Technology Corner	1	(1)
Case File: People v. Terry Jacobs	2	(1)
Introduction	2	(1)
The Legal Profession	3	(1)
Lawyers	3	(1)
The Practice of Law	3	(1)
The Paralegal Profession	4	(7)
Paralegals in the Legal Environment	4	(2)
Independent Paralegals	6	(1)
Regulation of Paralegals	6	(2)
Paralegal Education	8	(1)
Paralegals as Professionals	9	(2)
Legal Support Staff	11	(2)
Legal Secretaries	11	(1)
Law Clerks	12	(1)
Other Support Staff	12	(1)
Court Personnel	13	(1)
Judges	13	(1)
Court Clerks	13	(1)
Court Reporters	13	(1)
Bailiffs	13	(1)
Agency Personnel	14	(1)
Professional Organizations	14	(2)
American Bar Association (ABA)	14	(1)
State Bar Associations	15	(1)
Local Bar Associations	15	(1)
American Trial Lawyers Association (ATLA)	15	(1)
National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)	15	(1)
National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)	15	(1)
American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE)	15	(1)
Local Paralegal Associations	16	(1)
Ethical Responsibilities	16	(6)
Confidentiality	17	(1)
Competency	17	(1)
Conflict of Interest	17	(1)
Attorney Fees and Trust Accounts	18	(1)
Diligence	19	(1)
Communication with Opposing Parties	19	(1)
Unauthorized Practice of Law	19	(3)
Featured Web Site	22	(1)
Chapter Summary	22	(1)
Terms to Remember	22	(1)
Questions for Review	22	(1)
Questions for Analysis	23	(1)
Assignments and Projects	23	(1)
The American Legal System	24	(22)
Chapter Outline	24	(1)
Technology Corner	24	(1)
Case File: The Eberhardt Matters	25	(1)
Introduction	25	(1)
Federalism--The Relationship Between Federal and State Government	26	(7)
Powers of the Federal Government	26	(2)
Powers of the State Government	28	(1)
Exclusive and Concurrent Powers of Federal and State Governments	29	(1)
Conflicts Between Federal and State Law--The Supremacy Clause	29	(4)
The Federal Government and the Legal System	33	(1)
Executive Branch	33	(1)
Legislative Branch	33	(1)
Judicial Branch	34	(1)
State Governments and the Legal System	34	(3)
The Courts and Their Roles	37	(7)
The Federal Court System	37	(1)
Federal District Courts	37	(2)
Federal Appellate Courts	39	(2)
The U.S. Supreme Court	41	(1)
The Courts and Technology	42	(1)
Federal Judges	43	(1)
State Court Systems	43	(1)
State Court Judges	44	(1)
Featured Web Site	44	(1)
Chapter Summary	44	(1)
Terms to Remember	44	(1)
Questions for Review	44	(1)
Questions for Analysis	45	(1)
Assignments and Projects	45	(1)
Laws: Their Sources	46	(18)
Chapter Outline	46	(1)
Technology Corner	46	(1)
Case File: People v. Hardtack	47	(1)
Introduction	47	(1)
Constitutional Law	47	(2)
The Federal Constitution	48	(1)
State Constitutions	48	(1)
Case Law	49	(10)
Common Law	49	(1)
Case Law--Interpretation of Constitutional and Statutory Law	49	(3)
Case Law--The Power to Invalidate Statutory Law	52	(4)
Case Law--The Factual Controversy	56	(2)
Stare Decisis	58	(1)
Statutory Law	59	(1)
The Legislative Process--The Federal Government	59	(1)
The Legislative Process--States	60	(1)
Administrative Regulations	60	(2)
Featured Web Site	62	(1)
Chapter Summary	62	(1)
Terms to Remember	63	(1)
Questions for Review	63	(1)
Questions for Analysis	63	(1)
Assignments and Projects	63	(1)
Finding the Law: Legal Research	64	(20)
Chapter Outline	64	(1)
Technology Corner	64	(1)
Case File: The Welch Family Law Matter	64	(1)
Introduction	65	(1)
Before You Begin	65	(3)
Know the Facts	66	(1)
Analyze the Facts	66	(1)
Identify the Issues	67	(1)
Use the Relevant Facts Define the Issues	67	(1)
Sort the Facts	67	(1)
Where to Begin the Research	68	(5)
Dictionaries	68	(1)
Encyclopedias	68	(4)
Form Books	72	(1)
Legal Periodicals	72	(1)
Treatises	72	(1)
Digests	72	(1)
Case Law	73	(8)
What is a Case?	73	(1)
Where to Find Case Law	73	(1)
Federal Case Law	74	(1)
State Case Law	75	(1)
How to Read and Use Case Law	75	(6)
Statutory Law	81	(1)
Using Statutory Law	81	(1)
Featured Web Site	82	(1)
Chapter Summary	82	(1)
Terms to Remember	82	(1)
Questions for Review	82	(1)
Questions for Analysis	82	(1)
Assignments and Projects	83	(1)
Using the Law: Analysis and Legal Writing	84	(23)
Chapter Outline	84	(1)
Technology Corner	84	(1)
Case File: The Tran Family Law Matter	84	(1)
Introduction	85	(1)
Approaching a Legal Research and Writing Project	85	(8)
Overview	85	(1)
Preparing a First Draft	86	(2)
Beginning the Writing Process	88	(3)
Editing and Revision Process	91	(1)
Keeping Legal Writing Simple	92	(1)
The Case Brief	93	(6)
The Components of a Case Brief	93	(5)
How to Write a Case Brief	98	(1)
The Legal Memorandum	99	(5)
Writing a Legal Memorandum	99	(1)
Citing Authorities	100	(4)
Persuasive Writing	104	(1)
Featured Web Site	105	(1)
Chapter Summary	106	(1)
Terms to Remember	106	(1)
Questions for Review	106	(1)
Questions for Analysis	106	(1)
Assignments and Projects	106	(1)
PART TWO: LEGAL PRACTICE AND PRINCIPLES
Laws: Civil vs. Criminal	107	(22)
Chapter Outline	107	(1)
Technology Corner	107	(1)
Case File: United States v. Hardtack and Martinez v. Hardtack	108	(1)
Introduction	108	(1)
Where Criminal and Civil Laws Are Found	109	(10)
Substantive Laws--Criminal	110	(1)
Substantive Laws--Civil	111	(4)
Procedural Rules--Criminal	115	(1)
Procedural Rules--Civil	115	(4)
How Criminal and Civil Cases Are Handled	119	(7)
The Parties	119	(1)
The Court	120	(1)
The Right to a Jury	120	(1)
The Right to an Attorney	121	(1)
Burden of Proof	121	(1)
The Verdict	122	(1)
The Punishment	122	(1)
The Right to Appeal	123	(3)
Quasi-Criminal Cases	126	(1)
Featured Web Site	127	(1)
Chapter Summary	127	(1)
Terms to Remember	127	(1)
Questions for Review	127	(1)
Questions for Analysis	128	(1)
Assignments and Projects	128	(1)
Personal Injury Practice: Tort Law and Workers' Compensation	129	(28)
Chapter Outline	129	(1)
Technology Corner	129	(1)
Case File: The Greenly Personal Injury Case	130	(1)
Introduction	130	(1)
Tort Law in General	130	(1)
Intentional Torts	131	(8)
Personal Torts	131	(6)
Business Torts	137	(1)
Property Torts	137	(1)
Fraud	138	(1)
Defenses to Intentional Torts	138	(1)
Negligence	139	(9)
Negligence in General	139	(5)
Types of Negligence Actions	144	(2)
Defenses to Negligence	146	(2)
Strict Liability	148	(1)
Dangerous Animals	148	(1)
Ultrahazardous Activities	148	(1)
Defective Products	149	(1)
Defenses to Strict Liability	149	(1)
Damages	149	(3)
Liability for Torts of Another	152	(1)
Personal Injury Practice	153	(1)
Future of Tort Law and Personal Injury Practice	153	(1)
Workers' Compensation	154	(1)
Chapter Summary	154	(1)
Featured Web Site	155	(1)
Terms to Remember	155	(1)
Questions for Review	156	(1)
Questions for Analysis	156	(1)
Assignments and Projects	156	(1)
Family Law	157	(22)
Chapter Outline	157	(1)
Technology Corner	157	(1)
Case File: The Holmes Family Law Matter	157	(1)
Introduction	158	(1)
Prenuptial Agreements	158	(1)
Terminating a Marriage	159	(1)
Nullity	159	(1)
Divorce/Dissolution	159	(1)
Legal Separation	159	(1)
Child Custody	160	(2)
Support	162	(4)
Child Support	162	(3)
Spousal Support	165	(1)
Property Concerns	166	(1)
Value and Division of Property	166	(1)
Family Law Court Proceedings	167	(8)
The Pleadings	167	(1)
Motions and Orders	167	(3)
Discovery	170	(5)
Settlement and Trial	175	(1)
Family Law Matters and Unmarried Parties	175	(2)
Featured Web Site	177	(1)
Chapter Summary	177	(1)
Terms to Remember	177	(1)
Questions for Review	177	(1)
Questions for Analysis	177	(1)
Assignments and Projects	178	(1)
Wills, Trusts, and Probate	179	(22)
Chapter Outline	179	(1)
Technology Corner	179	(1)
Case File: Holmes v. Holmes	179	(1)
Introduction	180	(1)
Wills	180	(4)
Preparation of a Will	184	(2)
The Opening Clauses	184	(1)
The Body of the Will	184	(1)
The Fiduciary Clause	185	(1)
The Closing Clauses	185	(1)
Changing the Will	185	(1)
Where There Is No Will	185	(1)
Trusts	186	(1)
What Is a Trust?	186	(1)
How to Create a Trust	186	(1)
Express Trusts	187	(1)
Implied Trusts	187	(1)
Probate	187	(1)
Case Law Examples	188	(11)
Featured Web Site	199	(1)
Chapter Summary	199	(1)
Terms to Remember	199	(1)
Questions for Review	199	(1)
Questions for Analysis	199	(1)
Assignments and Projects	200	(1)
Business Practice: Contract Law and Property Law	201	(32)
Chapter Outline	201	(1)
Technology Corner	201	(1)
Case File: The Kersch Matter	202	(1)
Introduction	202	(1)
Contract Law	202	(8)
Formation of Contracts	203	(3)
Performance of Contracts	206	(3)
Assignment of Contract Rights	209	(1)
Real Property Law	210	(3)
Ownership Interests in Real Property	210	(1)
Non-Ownership Interests in Real Property	211	(1)
Landlord/Tenant Law	212	(1)
Intellectual Property Law	213	(18)
Copyright Law	213	(2)
Patent Law	215	(8)
Trademark Law	223	(7)
Trade Secret Law	230	(1)
Featured Web Site	231	(1)
Chapter Summary	231	(1)
Terms to Remember	231	(1)
Questions for Review	232	(1)
Questions for Analysis	232	(1)
Assignments and Projects	232	(1)
Business Practice: The Law of Business Organizations and Bankruptcy	233	(23)
Chapter Outline	233	(1)
Technology Corner	233	(1)
Case File: The Hoppat's Business Matter	234	(1)
Introduction	234	(1)
Business Organizations	234	(1)
Sole Proprietorships	234	(1)
General Partnerships	235	(1)
Limited Partnerships	236	(1)
Corporations	236	(9)
Business Corporations	238	(3)
Professional Corporations	241	(1)
Close Corporations vs. Public Corporations	242	(1)
Nonprofit Corporations	242	(1)
Piercing the Corporate Veil	242	(1)
Security Regulations	243	(1)
Corporate Practice	244	(1)
Limited Liability Partnership	245	(1)
Limited Liability Companies	245	(1)
Bankruptcy Law	245	(5)
Featured Web Site	250	(4)
Chapter Summary	254	(1)
Terms to Remember	254	(1)
Questions for Review	254	(1)
Questions for Analysis	255	(1)
Assignments and Projects	255	(1)
Criminal Practice: Criminal Law and Juvenile Law	256	(23)
Chapter Outline	256	(1)
Technology Corner	256	(1)
Case File: The Simmons Criminal Matter	257	(1)
Section I Criminal Law	257	(1)
Introduction to Criminal Practice	257	(1)
Purposes of Criminal Law	258	(1)
Deterrence	258	(1)
Rehabilitation	258	(1)
Incapacitation	258	(1)
Retribution	258	(1)
The Elements of a Crime: Mens Rea and Actus Reus	258	(6)
Mens Rea	258	(1)
Actus Reus	259	(4)
Concurrence of Mens Rea and Actus Reus	263	(1)
Crimes	264	(8)
Homicide	265	(3)
Battery	268	(1)
Assault	268	(1)
Kidnapping and False Imprisonment	268	(3)
Burglary	271	(1)
Defenses to Criminal Charges	272	(1)
Section II Juvenile Law	272	(1)
Introduction to Juvenile Law	272	(1)
The Juvenile Court	273	(1)
Prosecution of Juvenile Offenders	273	(4)
Featured Web Site	277	(1)
Chapter Summary	277	(1)
Terms to Remember	277	(1)
Questions for Review	278	(1)
Questions for Analysis	278	(1)
Assignments and Projects	278	(1)
Civil Procedure Before Trial	279	(31)
Chapter Outline	279	(1)
Technology Corner	279	(1)
Case File: Martinez v. Hardtack and The City of Centerville	279	(1)
Introduction to Civil Litigation	280	(1)
Cause of Action	281	(1)
Jurisdiction	281	(6)
Subject Matter Jurisdiction	281	(5)
Personal Jurisdiction	286	(1)
In Rem Jurisdiction and Quasi in Rem Jurisdiction	287	(1)
Venue	287	(1)
Pleadings	287	(13)
The Complaint	288	(2)
The Summons	290	(5)
Service of Process	295	(3)
The Answer	298	(2)
Motions and Demurrers	300	(1)
Pretrial Motions	300	(5)
Discovery	305	(2)
Interrogatories	305	(1)
Requests for Admissions	306	(1)
Requests to Produce or Inspect	306	(1)
Depositions	306	(1)
Requests for Medical Examination	307	(1)
Disclosure	307	(1)
Pretrial Conferences and Settlement	307	(1)
Featured Web Site	308	(1)
Chapter Summary	308	(1)
Terms to Remember	308	(1)
Questions for Review	309	(1)
Questions for Analysis	309	(1)
Assignments and Projects	309	(1)
Criminal Procedure Before Trial	310	(38)
Chapter Outline	310	(1)
Technology Corner	310	(1)
Case File: The Darwood Criminal Matter	310	(1)
Introduction to Criminal Procedure	311	(1)
The Constitution and the Criminal Suspect	311	(18)
Due Process	311	(1)
Search and Seizure	311	(6)
Probable Cause	317	(1)
The Warrant Requirement	317	(7)
Exceptions to the Warrant Requirement	324	(1)
The Exclusionary Rule	324	(1)
Arrest	324	(5)
Interrogations and Confessions	329	(2)
Right to Counsel	329	(2)
Pretrial Activities	331	(15)
Discovery and Investigation	331	(1)
The Arrest	331	(1)
The Complaint	332	(7)
The Initial Appearance	339	(1)
The Preliminary Hearing	339	(1)
Formal Charges	340	(1)
Formal Discovery	341	(2)
Pretrial Motions	343	(3)
Featured Web Site	346	(1)
Chapter Summary	346	(1)
Terms to Remember	347	(1)
Questions for Review	347	(1)
Questions for Analysis	347	(1)
Assignments and Projects	347	(1)
Alternative Dispute Resolution	348	(17)
Chapter Outline	348	(1)
Technology Corner	348	(1)
Case File: The Graham Automobile Accident	348	(1)
Introduction	349	(1)
Binding ADR vs. Nonbinding ADR	349	(1)
Negotiation	349	(3)
Arbitration	352	(5)
Mediation	357	(1)
Mini-Trials	357	(1)
Court-Related ADR	358	(1)
Private Judges	358	(3)
Special Masters and Discovery Referees	361	(1)
ADR and Criminal Law	361	(1)
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Other Neutrals	362	(1)
Featured Web Site	363	(1)
Chapter Summary	363	(1)
Terms to Remember	364	(1)
Questions for Review	364	(1)
Questions for Analysis	364	(1)
Assignments and Projects	364	(1)
Rules of Evidence	365	(14)
Chapter Outline	365	(1)
Technology Corner	365	(1)
Case File: The Rutherford Matter	365	(1)
Introduction	366	(1)
What Is Evidence?	366	(5)
Testimony of a Witness	366	(1)
Exhibits	367	(3)
Stipulated Facts	370	(1)
Judicial Notice	370	(1)
Types of Evidence	371	(1)
Direct Evidence	371	(1)
Circumstantial Evidence	371	(1)
Relevancy	372	(1)
Impeachment	373	(1)
Hearsay	373	(4)
Featured Web Site	377	(1)
Chapter Summary	377	(1)
Terms to Remember	378	(1)
Questions for Review	378	(1)
Questions for Analysis	378	(1)
Assignments and Projects	378	(1)
The Trial	379	(23)
Chapter Outline	379	(1)
Technology Corner	379	(1)
Case File: The Ace Auto Repair Matter	379	(1)
Introduction	380	(1)
Roles of Trial Participants	380	(1)
Pretrial Motions	381	(2)
Jury Selection	383	(3)
Jury Questionnaire	383	(3)
Voir Dire	386	(1)
Opening Statements	386	(3)
Plaintiff's Case in Chief	389	(1)
Burden of Proof	389	(1)
Examination of Witnesses	389	(1)
Defendant's Case	390	(1)
Examination of Witnesses	390	(1)
Plaintiff's Rebuttal Case	391	(1)
Closing Arguments	391	(3)
Judge's Instructions to the Jury	394	(5)
Jury Deliberations and Verdict	399	(1)
Featured Web Site	399	(1)
Chapter Summary	400	(1)
Terms to Remember	400	(1)
Questions for Review	400	(1)
Questions for Analysis	400	(1)
Assignments and Projects	400	(2)
Law and Technology: A Paralegal Perspective	402	(25)
Chapter Outline	402	(1)
Technology Corner	402	(1)
Case File: Micro Inc. v. Doggie in the Window Record Co.	402	(1)
Introduction	403	(1)
The Modern Law Office	403	(2)
Computer Hardware	404	(1)
Computer Software	404	(1)
The Internet	405	(2)
Communication--E-mail	405	(1)
Advertising	405	(1)
Information Resources	405	(1)
Discussion Forums	406	(1)
Legal Research	406	(1)
The Internet and the Courts	406	(1)
Document Depository	406	(1)
Intranets and Extranets	406	(1)
General Office Procedures	407	(2)
Accepting a New Case	407	(1)
Maintaining Client Files	408	(1)
Calendaring	408	(1)
Billing	409	(1)
Communication Techniques	409	(10)
Writing Business Letters	410	(2)
Common Types of Legal Correspondence	412	(4)
Handling the Telephone	416	(1)
Writing Interoffice Memoranda	416	(2)
Interviewing Clients and Witnesses	418	(1)
Fact Investigation	419	(4)
Featured Web Site	423	(1)
Chapter Summary	424	(1)
Terms to Remember	424	(1)
Questions for Review	424	(1)
Questions for Analysis	424	(1)
Assignments and Projects	425	(2)
Appendix I The United States Constitution	427	(14)
Appendix II Paralegal Ethics	441	(19)
Appendix III Mock Trial	460	(6)
Appendix IV Basic Citation Reference Guide	466	(3)
Appendix V The Marvin v. Marvin Cases	469	(25)
Appendix VI Federal Rules of Evidence §§801-806	494	(5)
Appendix VII Recent United States Supreme Court Decisions	499	(22)
Glossary	521	(10)
Index	531

Excerpts

The study of law attracts students for a variety of reasons. Many see the law as a career choice, as a lawyer, a paralegal, or some other related professional. Some are interested because of personal dealings with the legal system, while others are interested simply because it is a fascinating subject. Whatever reasons motivate the student, an introductory class in law must accomplish certain basic objectives. Students must develop an understanding of the organization of the legal system. They must comprehend some basic legal concepts related to procedural and substantive law. Students should also4be introduced to cases, statutes, and the Constitution, the sources of all of our laws. While students in an introduction to Law class should not be forced to learn about the law entirely through reading cases, some experience in reading cases is essential to learning about the law. Our years of teaching paralegal students have convinced us that any introductory law course must begin with and emphasize the development of a strong legal vocabulary. Also important is the opportunity to use and develop the analytic skills so important to any legal professional. Our goal, therefore, in writing this text is to help instructors by providing beginning students with a book that keeps their interest while providing an overview of the organization and operation of the legal system, as well as an introduction to some of the basic concepts of the substantive and procedural law. More important, however, we have included several features that give students the opportunity to develop a strong legal vocabulary and to build their analytic skills. THE SECOND EDITION OFINTRODUCTION TO LAW Feedback from instructors and students who use this text convinces us that the basic organization and features of this textbook are successful. Students have especially appreciated the extensive vocabulary definitions in the margin, the interesting cases, and the wide use of common hypothetical cases to explain the application of legal principles. These features remain in the text. However, the law has never been, nor will it ever be, a static entity. Any useful textbook dealing with the law must reflect these changes. As a result, where applicable, the law has been updated. Other changes reflect the changing face of the legal system, as well as our desire to provide students with more practice building analytic skills and more exposure to the area of legal ethics. In the last few years, the most important changes in the legal system have come about because of the developments in technology, including the Internet. We have endeavored to reflect those changes in the second edition ofIntroduction to Law.Each chapter now contains two new features: Technology Corner, listing the Web addresses and names of Internet sites applicable to the chapter material; and Featured Web Site, an overview of a helpful Internet site along with exercises requiring the student to "go online." Developments in technology resulted in our completely revising two chapters appearing in the first edition--"Law Practice: Day to Day Procedures" and "Law and Technology." Clearly, these are no longer separate subjects and are therefore combined in a new chapter, "Technology and Law Practice: A Paralegal Perspective." The relevance of technology to the different aspects of substantive and procedural law are now incorporated into the chapters dealing with the topics rather than appearing in a separate chapter. Although technology is important, any student of the law must develop keen analytic skills. In this second edition we provide more opportunity for this to occur. We expanded the coverage of legal research, analysis, and writing from one chapter to two. We also added "Questions for Analysis" at the end of each chapter and continue to provide questions for analysis at the end of each case. Our treatment of legal ethics has also been expa