Introduction to American Law provides an overview of the legal system in the United States. It is designed for leaners who have little familiarity with U.S. law. Key topics include the federal and state court systems, the civil and criminal litigation processes, and ethics in the legal profession. Each chapter includes a court case study, discussion and review questions, and a practice test with answers.

• About the Author
• About the Contributing Reviewer

1. Background of U.S. Law in the United States
   1. Why Study the Law?
   2. What is a Law? What is a Legal System?
   3. The Development of Legal Authority in the United States
   4. The Declaration of Independence
   5. The Constitution of the United States
   6. Summary
   7. Key Terms
   8. Chapter Discussion Questions
   9. Additional Learning Opportunities
   10. Test Your Learning
2. Federal and State Court Systems
   1. Categories and Classifications of Law
   2. Overview of the U.S. Court System
   3. The Federal Court System
   4. Jurisdiction of the Federal Courts
   5. The State Court System
   6. Reading and Understanding a Court Opinion
   7. Types of Court Opinions
   8. Summary
   9. Key Terms
   10. Chapter Discussion Questions
   11. Additional Learning Opportunities
   12. Test Your Learning
3. The Civil Litigation Process
   1. Introduction to Civil Litigation
   2. Filing the Complaint
   3. Class Actions
   4. Discovery Process
   5. The Pre-Trial Process
   6. Alternative Dispute Resolution
   7. The Trial
   8. Jury Instructions
   9. The Appellate Process
   10. Summary
   11. Key Terms
   12. Chapter Discussion Questions
   13. Additional Learning Opportunities
4. The Criminal Trial Process
   1. Introduction to Criminal Law
   2. Jurisdiction over Crimes
   3. Classifications of Crime
   4. Elements of a Crime
   5. Types of Crimes
   6. Defenses to Criminal Liability
   7. Arrest and Interrogation
   8. The Pre-Trial Process
   9. The Criminal Trial
   10. Sentencing
   11. Summary
   12. Key Terms
   13. Chapter Discussion Questions
   14. Ethical Considerations
   15. Additional Learning Opportunities
   16. Test Your Learning
5. Ethics and the Legal Professional
   1. The Legal Professional
   2. Model Rules of Professional Conduct
   3. Attorney-Client Relationship
   4. The Attorney Advocate
   5. Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL)
   6. Advertising and Solicitation of Clients
   7. The Discipline Process
   8. Summary
   9. Key Terms
   10. Chapter Discussion Questions
   11. Additional Learning Opportunities
6. Appendix A
   1. Test Your Learning
7. Appendix B
   1. The Constitution of the United States
8. Appendix C
   1. The Constitution: Amendments 11–27
9. Endnotes