An Introduction to the American Legal System is a comprehensive introduction to law and the legal process. It explains the evolution of American law, its current structures and processes, and examines the main substantive areas of law, including torts, contracts, civil procedure, criminal law and procedure, and constitutional law. Although the book is comprehensive, it is written to be accessible to students who may not have any academic background in law. The text uses special features to break up potential monotony and engage the student, while emphasizing the "nuts and bolts" of the legal system. Each chapter is by "Questions for Thought and Discussion" and a review of presented key terms.