Includes index.

Introduction to American law -- The sources of law and common law reasoning -- The American constitutional system: allocation of governmental powers -- The American judiciary: guardians of the Constitution -- The American civil trial: ritualized combat -- Contract and commercial law: a promise is a promise (maybe) -- American tort law: venerable common law on the eve of reform? -- American property law: plenty of old wine in both new and old bottles -- Americas business is business: and business lawyers govern the show -- Criminal law: (much) crime and (severe) punishment in modern America -- Criminal procedure: the 'long and winding road' from apprehension of criminals to their release -- A Bill of Rights for all seasons -- Administrative agencies and their law: the fourth branch of American law -- International law in the American legal system: is it really there? -- Conclusions: the American bar.

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