The Handy Law Answer Book - (Handy Answer Books) 2nd Edition by David L Hudson

About the Book

"The Handy Law Answer Book is a legal primer for general audiences covering the history and practice of law in the United States. Combining practical legal tips with an exhaustive overview of the law in the United States, this comprehensive reference answers more than 750 questions regarding the history of the U.S. legal system; how courts work at the local, state, and federal levels; family law; immigration law; tort law; employment law; credit and bankruptcy law; and criminal law"--

Book Synopsis

Courtrooms and contracts. Legal claims and criminal cases. The legal system can be complex, but you'll be at an advantage with this enlightening guide by your side!

Understanding the law and navigating the legal system has never been more important. From the day you are born and get your government-issued birth certificate to finding a job and paying your taxes to your eventual death certificate, legal documents, legal rights and responsibilities, and the law are an inescapable part of our lives. Fully revised and updated to include an expanded and up-to-date understanding of individual rights and personal liberties--from the Bill of Rights to the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade--as well as an all-new chapter on immigration law, The Handy Law Answer Book 2nd edition answers over 750 of the most important, intriguing, and interesting legal questions many of us face, including ...

What was the pressing need for the Constitution?

What is an example of a separation of powers problem?

How is a law created?

Why were the first ten amendments--the Bill of Rights--added to the U.S. Constitution?

What three freedoms does the Eighth Amendment protect?

How was the U.S. Supreme Court created?

What president ordered a commission to study various reform proposals to the U.S. Supreme Court?

How does tort law differ from criminal law?

Are children held to the same standards as adults?

What was the McDonald's hot coffee case?

Can employers really discriminate against employees for any reason?

How does an employee prove a claim of religious discrimination?

If you are fired from your job, can you obtain unemployment benefits coverage?

What is an arrest?

How do you qualify for a court-appointed attorney?

What happens if a jury cannot reach a decision?

Can cousins legally marry?

What happens if a person refuses to pay child support?

How long does negative information stay on my credit report?

What is a credit freeze?

What does it cost to file for bankruptcy?

How does one become a U.S. citizen?

How can a person obtain asylum?

And many, many more!

Completely revised and updated for the first time in 15 years, The Handy Law Answer Book incorporates the latest Supreme Court rulings and their views on the Constitution, employment law, criminal law, family law, bankruptcy, affirmative action, Presidential immunity, same-sex marriage, and much, much more. Whether you're in your living room or law school, this compelling resource will inform you of the basics of the law and legal principles. It will arm you with the knowledge you need to navigate and understand our system of justice!

Review Quotes

"Hudson (law, Belmont Univ.; The Handy Civics Answer Book) updates and expands the 2010 edition of this reference book, providing a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the complexities of United States law. This clear, well-organized guide demystifies the legal system. ... While the U.S. legal system can be intimidating, Hudson's work serves as a tool for those looking to deepen their understanding of it. This is a highly recommended resource for anyone navigating the complexities of the law."-- Library Journal

"What the law really is, says, and does is open to highly partisan interpretation. Opportunely, this concise, common-sense, authoritative guide will settle a lot of heated arguments as it unpacks "the complexities of the legal system." Jargon-free chapters explain U.S. law regarding federal and state courts, criminal procedure, personal injury, employment, credit, bankruptcy, family, and immigration. U.S. constitutional law is explained with special emphasis on the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment. ... With clear, no-nonsense language, descriptions, and explanations, this fact-based guide tells it like it is and is confidently recommended ... Politically unbiased, it may serve well to stimulate calm, productive, genial debate."-- Booklist

Praise for the previous edition:

"For anyone who wants to know more about coping with our court system, credit and bankruptcy law, employment law, family law, or personal injury law ... an excellent guide ... highly recommend. Written in a way that is easy to understand, it will arm any reader with the knowledge of what to do in a wide variety of situations and what to expect."-- Bookviews

"Using a question and brief answer format, this book answers every conceivable law query. The most potentially useful chapters focus on lawyers, lawsuits, criminal procedures, and credit and bankruptcy laws. Any reader with a legal issue will feel confident after learning the legalese that could be encountered in the court system."-- VOYA Reviews

"How many times have you slapped yourself on the forehead and said, Wish I knew the law pertaining to my credit information! Yeah, me neither. But when you really do need to know something about the law, a new reference book . . . is just the ticket."-- Wichita Falls Times Record News

"The author is well-qualified. Overall, The Handy Law Answer Book does a nice job of introducing readers to the rules that govern our society and the practice of law. It is probably most useful as a general reference tool for those with a strong interest in history, government, politics, or legal studies."-- Christian Library Journal