Legal Literacy

To understand how the legal system works, students must consider thelaw in terms of its structures, processes, language, and modes ofthought and argument—in short, they must become literate in thefield. Legal Literacy fulfills this aim by providing afoundational understanding of key concepts such as legal personhood,jurisdiction, and precedent, and by introducing students to legalresearch and writing skills. Examples of cases, statutes, and otherlegal materials support these concepts.

While Legal Literacy is an introductory text, it alsochallenges students to consider critically the system they arestudying. Touching on significant socio-legal issues such as access tojustice, legal jargon, and plain language, Zariski critiques commonlegal traditions and practices, and analyzes what it means “tothink like a lawyer.” As such, the text provides a sound basisfor those who wish to pursue further studies in law or legal studies aswell as those seeking a better understanding of how the legal fieldrelates to the society that it serves.