Author Description

In this book on the geneis, development, and present-day reality of American law, Friedman explores the law as it is embedded in social life rather than as an isolated body of rules. Along with anecdote and historical detail, he explains how laws are made, from the United States and state constitutions and legislatures to small-town zoning boards, and how law is administered by courts and other agencies. Covering an enormous variety of law -- antitrust, family, torts, criminal justice and packaging of food and medicine -- the author explores trends and cases to reveal the way changes in law mirror and guide changes in society. He includes case citations and selected excerpts from state and Federal legislation. ISBN 0-393-01890-3: $22.45.