The Fourth Edition of An Introduction to the American Legal System provides both historical context and thoroughly up-to-date coverage of all aspects of American law and the legal system. Vivid examples, on-point case summaries, and hot-button issues make this text an obvious choice for paralegal, criminal justice, political science, or legal studies courses.

Key New Features

• Cases in Point that concisely illustrate how the law applies in the real world
• Questions for discussion in every chapter that point to high-interest issues for debate
• Discussions of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions such as the Obamacare decisions, the Defense of Marriage Act decision, and key rulings on recess appointments and First Amendment Rights
• Contemporary topical coverage, such as the national security legislation and whistleblowers
• Updated discussions of justifiable use of force, intellectual property, abortion rights, capital punishment, and affirmative action
• A well-crafted design that includes learning objectives and chapter outlines
• A convenient Glossary of Legal Terms and The Constitution of the United States of America in the Appendices