Law 101

By: Jay M. Feinman

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

Length: 16 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's Summary

The best-selling first edition of Law 101 provided a vividly written and indispensable portrait of our nation's legal system. Now, in this revised edition, Jay M. Feinman offers an updated survey of American law, spiced with new anecdotes and cases, and incorporating fresh material on topics ranging from the President's war powers, to intellectual property, standard form contracts, and eminent domain. Here is an exceptionally clear introduction to law, covering the main subjects found in the first year of law school, giving us a basic understanding of how it all works. Listeners are introduced to every aspect of the legal system, from constitutional law and the litigation process to tort law, contract law, property law, and criminal law. Feinman illuminates each discussion with many intriguing, outrageous, and infamous cases, from the scalding coffee case that cost McDonald's half a million dollars, to the sensational murder trial in Victorian London that led to the legal definition of insanity, to the epochal decision in Marbury v. Madison that gave the Supreme Court the power to declare state and federal laws unconstitutional. He broadens the listener's legal vocabulary, clarifying the meaning of everything from "due process" and "equal protection" in constitutional law, to the distinction between "murder" and "manslaughter" in criminal law. Perhaps most important, we learn that though the law is voluminous and complex, it is accessible to all. Everyone who wants a better grasp of current legal issues - from students contemplating law school, to journalists covering the legislature or the courts, to fans of Court TV - will find here a wonderful source of information: A complete, clear, and colorful map of the American legal system.

©2010 Jay M. Feinman (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Very brought introduction to law issues

This is as exciting as a book about law can be. The author attempts to touch upon all major areas of the law, do it thoroughly and in a language that's understandable for non-professionals.

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

I plan to listen to this over and over

It can be difficult to soak up everything in the forest listen, but this book is extremely fascinating and will written. The reader was also easy to listen to and I enjoyed learning so much, so quickly about law.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great for Law Prep

The book was easy to listen to and easy to understand. It provided a great level of knowledge for each topic; not so detailed that you would be lost and not so general that you can't find where to apply it. I find it a great resource when preparing for law school.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great Primer on a Fluid Topic

Despite best intentions and great knowledge on the author's part and fine narration and my own desire the book couldn't hold my interest. I suspect it was the subject matter, which began to seem so much a matter of opinion that maybe there is less to learn than I expected. Though it somehow works much of the time, I guess I'll eat the sausage for now and not watch how it's made. The law is a mashup, that's what I took away from 3 or 4 chapters. I may come back to it later when I have more patience.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Solid Review of the 1L Curriculum

This is an excellent overview of American law, with a particular emphasis on Constitutional Law/citizenship. I went to law school and am an attorney, so I was familiar with the topics; however, there were many subjects I haven't looked at since then, so this was a good review. I think it would be a good starter for 1Ls; this goes over everything in the first year curriculum, with the exception of writing and research.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Great Overview

I listened to this book as a 1L to help me see the big picture. I went into law school with no background in law and felt utterly lost.

This book was great to see the big picture, and if you are considering going to law school I would recommend this book.

The title is misleading.

Any additional comments?

The book is more of a 'historical cases' and theory of law... you will learn nothing useful as far as how to actually apply the legal system personally.

Enjoyed the content and Narration thoroughly!!

Great Content, superb narration, great value, great perspective on law in a palatable format, Enjoyed

Great Introduction to Law

For a subject matter that, while inherently interesting, can also be sleep inducing, I believe this author did such a wonderful job introducing his readers to the various aspects of modern law as well as the numerous, seemingly omnipresent challenges inherent in its application. It is admittedly slow at times, but as I progressed I found myself more and more fascinated by the subject matter. The narration was excellent in my opinion. Thanks for the great read.

Great Overview of the Legal Perspective

This book provides a great overview of how the American legal system works, and explanation for why it sometimes appears to work in counterproductive or unjust ways.

The audio version throws a lot at the listener, and this book really demands your attention. I would highly recommend the audio version as a first run-through of the book to be followed by a more thorough reading of the text. By the second time, the whole thing should click into place.