1001 Legal Words You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to the Language of the Law

by Feinman, Jay M.

• ISBN13: 9780195181333
• ISBN10: 0195181336
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-04-28
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

1001 Legal Words You Need to Know explains and illuminates the most difficult and arcane vocabulary any American has to deal with--that of the law. This comprehensive--but never condescending--guide to the language of the American legal system carefully defines and explains every term, andmany entries have supplementary notes and a sample sentence. These notes include information about grammar associated with certain terms, as well as an etymology section useful in finding the linguistic origins of each term. American and British spellings are differentiated (license vs. licence), asare singular and plural forms (dictum vs. dicta). In addition, the book includes a number of quick mini-guides to legal troubleshooting that include information on understanding wills, trusts, and inheritance, granting someone a power of attorney, understanding contracts, what to do if you're sued, how to choose a lawyer, exploring law school,and enjoying cop and lawyer dramas. The backmatter contains an extensive list of legal aid organizations and a helpful bibliography of books about the law and lawyers for further reading. Written for everyday people who only want to know "the basics," 1001 Legal Words You Need To Know is the perfect size and scope for anyone trying to see through the jargon of the American legal system.

Author Biography

Jay M. Feinman is the author of Law 101 and Distinguished Professor of Law, Rutgers University School of Law, Camden.

Table of Contents

Preface	v
Introduction	ix
Using This Dictionary	xiii
Pronunciation Key	xv
1001 LEGAL WORDS YOU NEED TO KNOW	1	(17)
Choosing a Lawyer	18	(40)
How to Understand a Contract	58	(19)
The Common Law and the Civil Law	77	(10)
Making a Living Will	87	(21)
What is a Power of Attorney?	108	(19)
Thinking About Law School	127	(11)
What is Legal Ethics?	138	(35)
What to Do if You're Being Sued	173	(24)
Understanding Wills, Trusts, and
Intestate Succession	197	(8)
Watching Lawyer Shows	205	(10)
Legal Aid Organizations	215	(20)
Further Reading	235