An Introduction to the American Legal System

An Introduction to the American Legal System, 7th Edition, by John M. Scheb and Hemant Sharma, provides a structured survey of legal concepts tailored for pre-law, paralegal, political science, and criminal justice students. Published by Aspen Publishing, this foundational textbook examines how legal institutions operate and interact across the United States.

The text divides its content into four distinct units: Foundations of the Legal System, Public Law, Private Law, and the Legal Process. Across these units, coverage spans core subjects including constitutional law, legislation, administrative law, torts, property law, contracts and business law, and family law.

To guide student learning, each chapter incorporates pedagogical tools such as chapter outlines, learning objectives, discussion questions, and a glossary of legal terms alongside dedicated Cases in Point. These features equip students across criminal justice, political science, paralegal studies, and pre-law tracks to engage directly with statutory and judicial frameworks.