Offers an introduction to the American legal system for students without a legal background. This book's coverage is cross-disciplinary, informed by the literature of law, business administration and the social sciences, especially public administration and policy.
Preface; 1. The Nature and Function of Law; 2. The Courts and Adjudication; 3. The Trial Stage; 4. Judicial Lawmaking I: Law Built on Precedents; 5. Lawmaking by Legislatures; 6. Judicial Lawmaking II: Interpretation of Statutes; 7. Judicial Lawmaking III: Interpreting the Constitution; 8. Administrative Lawmaking and Adjudication; 9. Private Contributions to the Legal System; 10. Law in Society: A Conclusion; Bibliographic Note; About the Authors; Index.