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Introduction to Law, 6th edition

Published by Pearson (January 1, 2018) © 2019

  • Joanne B. Hames
  • Yvonne Ekern

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For introductory courses in law.

Introducing students to the system, principles and concepts of law

Introduction to Law guides students through the start of their law education, using premium features to explore basic legal concepts related to substantive and procedural law. Cases, statutes, regulations and the Constitution help students build their legacy vocabulary, analytical skills and ability to read cases.

All chapters of the 6th Edition have been reviewed, edited and updated to reflect current law and legal forms. New court cases highlight trends in the development of US laws, such as those concerning the First Amendment and religion, police liability for excessive force, and same-sex marriage.

Hallmark features of this title

Cases illustrating applications of legal principles

  • Chapter-opening case files contain a hypothetical situation and prompt students to assess it in the context of a law office.
  • Case law in each chapter and follow-up questions for analysis help students interpret and think critically about the law.

Critical-thinking exercises and takeaways

  • Ethical Concerns: What Should the Lawyer Do? feature in each chapter encourages students to consider ethical ramifications of the daily experiences of legal professionals.
  • A Global Perspective feature with internet references to laws, resources and international organizations explores global influences on the US legal system.
  • Mock trial provides a fun, memorable way for students to apply material.

New and updated features of this title

The organization and operation of the legal system

  • EXPANDED: New or updated legal topics include business ethics, federal rules affecting e-discovery, Federal Arbitration Act, and restorative justice as it applies to criminal cases.
  • UPDATED: A broad view of substantive and procedural legal areas is reflected in the new edition.
  • UPDATED: Current uses of technology in law demonstrates their critical impact on legal practice.
  • UPDATED: Legal forms and court documents have been updated in exhibits.

Cases reflecting current events

  • EXPANDED: New court cases highlight trends in the development of US laws, such as those concerning the First Amendment and religion, police liability for excessive force, and same-sex marriage.
  • EXPANDED: Additional case questions and end-of-chapter exercises give students more practice thinking critically.

PART 1: THE LEGAL SYSTEM
1. Introduction to Law
2. The U.S. Legal System
3. The Courts and Legal Personnel
4. Finding the Law: Legal Research
5. Using the Law: Analysis and Legal Writing

PART 2: LEGAL PRINCIPLES
6. Constitutional Law & Civil Rights
7. Tort Law
8. Family Law
9. Estate Planning: Wills, Trusts, and Probate
10. Contract Law
11. Property Law
12. The Business Environment: Agency, Employment, Business Organizations, and Bankruptcy Laws
13. Civil Procedure Before Trial
14. Criminal Practice: Criminal Law and Juvenile Law
15. Criminal Procedure Before Trial
16. Rules of Evidence
17. The Trial
18. Alternative Dispute Resolution

Appendices
I. Law-Related Careers, the Paralegal Profession, and the Law Office
II. Mock Trial
III. Legal Citation

About our authors

Yvonne Ekern is an associate clinical professor of law at Santa Clara University's School of Law and a full-time member of the Legal Analysis, Research, and Writing faculty. For seven years she was the chairperson of the West Valley College Paralegal Program (ABA approved). Prior to attending law school, she taught high school English and math in California and Missouri. She graduated from the University of Idaho School of Law in 1985. While working in criminal and family law offices, she taught part-time in several Silicon Valley paralegal programs. Among the classes she teaches are Legal Research and Writing, Advanced Legal Research and Writing, Appellate Advocacy, Advanced Legal Research and Writing Using LEXIS, and Legal Analysis. She has over 25 years' teaching experience. She is the coauthor of Legal Research, Analysis and Writing and Constitutional Law: Principles and Practice.

Joanne Banker Hames is an attorney and paralegal educator who has been actively involved in paralegal education since 1977. She is an instructor in and the former coordinator of the ABA-approved paralegal program at De Anza Community College in Cupertino, California, as well as an adjunct instructor at Santa Clara University's School of Law. She earned her JD degree from Santa Clara University Law School and has been an active member of the California Bar since 1972. As an attorney, she has been involved in research and writing for legal memoranda and appellate briefs. Among the classes she teaches are Legal Research and Writing, Advanced Legal Research and Writing, Computer Assisted Legal Research, Civil Litigation, and Introduction to California Law. She is the coauthor of Civil Litigation, Legal Research, Analysis and Writing and Constitutional Law: Principles and Practice.

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