Reason in Law Update, Longman Classics Edition (7th Edition) (Longman Classics (Pearson))

With a new foreword by Sanford Levison, a new appendix on Terry Shiavo, and updates on the appointment process and detainees in Guantanomo Bay, this engaging and lively text examines the relationship between law and politics and emphasizes the political importance of sound legal reasoning.

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Reason in Law examines the intersection of law and politics: legal reasoning. It teaches students how to examine judicial decisions, encouraging them to become “thoughtful judges of judging.” Using cases ripped from the headlines–such as the Alabama federal courthouse “Ten Commandments” case, Ashcroft v. Oregon, and Lawrence v. Texas–authors Carter and Burke teach through illustrative examples and have assembled a gallery of fascinating cases to engage student interest. Ultimately, the text attempts to answer the question: “How can a pluralistic society be ruled legitimately?” If people of differing political allegiances can interpret the same legal text quite differently, how can the rule of law be properly applied?