Law in Our Lives: An Introduction / Edition 3

by David O. Friedrichs

Overview

Combining detailed theoretical discussions with real-world examples, Law in Our Lives: An Introduction, Third Edition, presents a broad analysis of the nature of law in contemporary society. Author David O. Friedrichs employs an exceptionally lucid writing style that makes the complex subject matter as student friendly as possible. Numerous pedagogical features—including boldfaced key terms, discussion questions, and appendices on case briefing, law in films, and relevant websites—further enhance the text's accessibility.

Providing students with an interdisciplinary framework through which to understand law and society, Law in Our Lives, Third Edition, is ideal for courses that introduce law or address law and society.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199840748
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	08/08/2011
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	480
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

David O. Friedrichs is Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice and Distinguished University Fellow at The University of Scranton.

Table of Contents

Preface
About the Author
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
2. Law: Its Meaning and Logic
3. Law, Justice, and Moral Order
4. Jurisprudence and the Study of Law
5. The Law and Society Movement
6. Comparative and Historical Perspectives on Law and Society
7. The Legal Profession
8. Legal Institutions and Processes: An Overview
9. Legal Culture and Legal Behavior
10. Law in Flux: Law and Social Change
Appendix A:. Case Briefing: A Rudimentary Skill in Legal Analysis
Appendix B:. Law in Our Lives: Films
Appendix C:. Law in Our Lives on the Internet
References
Name Index
Subject Index

Editorial Reviews

Intended to provide students with a fundamental literacy about law as a presence in our social existence, rather than "black letter" law, Friedrichs' (sociology, criminal justice, U. of Scranton, PA) text is written in accessible language with attention to issues and controversies that will enliven discussion in the undergraduate classroom. The topics considered include the celebration of law and the critique of law; contemporary legal issues confronting society; the definition and meaning of law, the different dimensions or models of law, and the nature of legal reasoning; and law in relation to justice, to morality, to religion, and to interests. Key terms and discussion questions conclude each chapter; a list of web sites is provided. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

"Law in Our Lives has four special strengths. First and most important, it treats law as a complex, multidimensional subject. Second, this book is interdisciplinary at every turn, explicating legal phenomena in historical, political, cross-national, and sociological perspectives. Third, the text offers a good balance between legal theory (jurisprudence) and the 'law in action,' thereby suggesting both why and where law matters. Finally, the book offers a timely discussion of many topical issues for which the law does (or will) matter."—From the Foreword by John Paul Ryan, Former Director, American Bar Association Commission on College & University Legal Studies

"Friedrichs does an excellent job of defining or describing concepts, giving a visual representation of those concepts, and then giving real world examples of how concepts might be applied. [Friedrichs] is clearly an expert in the socio-legal approach, and this text is clearly a welcome addition to the subfield of Law and Society."—Linda Maule, Law and Politics Book Review

Praise from the previous edition

"This book represents an extraordinary mastery of the material. It is a first-rate piece of scholarship that is likely to make a major contribution to defining the law and society field in the 21st century. The author is extremely thorough in presenting every major theme within the discipline."—Matthew Silberman, Bucknell University

From the Publisher