For introductory courses in law.

Introducing students to the system, principles, and concepts of law
Introduction to Law guides students through the beginnings of their law education, using premium features to explore basic legal concepts related to substantive and procedural law. Students are exposed to cases, statutes, regulations, and the Constitution, while developing their legal vocabulary, critical thinking skills, and ability to read cases. All chapters of the 6th edition have been reviewed, edited, and updated to reflect current law and legal forms and to provide additional activities illustrating real-world applications of legal practices.

Yvonne Ekern is an Associate Clinical Professor of Law at Santa Clara University’s School of Law and a full-time member of the Legal Analysis, Research, and Writing faculty. For seven years she was the chairperson of the West Valley College Paralegal Program (ABA approved). Prior to attending law school, she taught high school English and math in California and Missouri. She graduated from the University of Idaho School of Law in 1985. While working in criminal and family law offices, she taught part-time in several Silicon Valley paralegal programs. Among the classes she teaches are Legal Research and Writing, Advanced Legal Research and Writing, Appellate Advocacy, Advanced Legal Research and Writing Using LEXIS, and Legal Analysis. She has over twenty-five years’ teaching experience. She is the coauthor of Legal Research, Analysis and Writing and Constitutional Law: Principles and Practice.

Joanne Banker Hames is an attorney and paralegal educator who has been actively involved in paralegal education since 1977. She is an instructor in and the former coordinator for the ABA-approved paralegal program at De Anza Community College in Cupertino, California, as well as an adjunct instructor at Santa Clara University’s School of Law. She earned her J.D. degree from Santa Clara University Law School and has been an active member of the California Bar since 1972. As an attorney, she has been involved in research and writing for legal memoranda and appellate briefs. Among the classes she teaches are Legal Research and Writing, Advanced Legal Research and Writing, Computer Assisted Legal Research, Civil Litigation, and Introduction to California Law. She is the coauthor of Civil Litigation, Legal Research, Analysis and Writing, and Constitutional Law: Principles and Practice.

PART 1: THE LEGAL SYSTEM
1. Introduction to Law
2. The U.S. Legal System
3. The Courts and Legal Personnel
4. Finding the Law: Legal Research
5. Using the Law: Analysis and Legal Writing

PART 2: LEGAL PRINCIPLES
6. Constitutional Law & Civil Rights
7. Tort Law
8. Family Law
9. Estate Planning: Wills, Trusts, and Probate
10. Contract Law
11. Property Law
12. The Business Environment: Agency, Employment, Business Organizations, and Bankruptcy Laws
13. Civil Procedure Before Trial
14. Criminal Practice: Criminal Law and Juvenile Law
15. Criminal Procedure Before Trial
16. Rules of Evidence
17. The Trial
18. Alternative Dispute Resolution

Appendices
I. Law-Related Careers, the Paralegal Profession, and the Law Office
II. Mock Trial
III. Legal Citation