An Introduction to Law, Law Study, and the Lawyer's Role

In this newly updated volume, Moliterno and Lederer take a fresh and innovative look at the subject of law and what law study and the practice of law entail by combining a traditional academic viewpoint with elements of law practice and ethics as it continues to be widely used in orientation and introductory courses. The American legal system can be hard to understand. Going to law school is both difficult and anxiety-producing. Introduction to Law is designed to help in both areas. Written by two highly-experienced legal educators at America's oldest law school, Introduction to Law provides the reader with a written equivalent of William & Mary Law School's famous introductory law school week. Often light-hearted, this useful and pragmatic book combines an innovative introduction to the American legal system with material on how to read and understand court cases and, critically, the lawyer's interaction with the client. All too often, legal texts ignore people, especially the client whose need for legal advice first engages the legal system. The text shows the reader how a lawyer must ascertain facts and goals from a client and then apply what the new lawyer (or law student) has learned about law and its interpretation to solve the client's problem. Revised in 2010 to be fresher, more readable, and more timely in its current events references, Introduction to Law is an ideal book for a soon-to-be law student or for anyone who wants a better understanding of how our legal system and lawyers function.

James E. Moliterno is the Vincent Bradford Professor of Law at Washington and Lee University. Frederic I. Lederer is Chancellor Professor and Director of the Center for Legal and Court Technology at William & Mary School of Law.