The Law Lab Book

Book excerpt: The Law Lab Book: Case Studies for Legal Learning surveys the historical development and modern application of key areas of law in the United States. Through a collection of dynamic role-playing exercises, the book challenges students to apply the law in different scenarios and learn about the varied work of different legal professionals. The book is organized into 17 chapters. Within each chapter, students read about key legal concepts and then work together in a group as prosecutors, legislators, justices, ethics panelists, and others to resolve a Law Lab. For each Law Lab, students review the substance of the law and then consider the central issue of the lab, focusing on the facts and legal rules that apply to it. The group is challenged to work together to complete a legal test or answer questions. In doing so, they are encouraged to share their opinions, talk through legal complexities, and work toward a resolution. The book unites theoretical legal learning with concrete application, while also teaching students about the law and the legal profession. The Law Lab Book is an excellent core textbook for law survey courses or any course with the goal of introducing students to American law.