Think of Law as a complex game that operates through complex languages and is played by complex individuals who arrive at complex solutions. From interpretation to application, there are a lot of things going on that require much thought and consideration.
It’s why lawyers need to be on top of everything when it comes to the law and why lay people find it an almost inaccessible subject to read about.
The Best Books About Law
Talking to my lawyer and lawyer-to-be friends, a lot of their studies seem to go into reading textbooks, case studies, and court filings. I imagine it’s the same throughout the world as practicing law requires a lot of knowledge.
But reading everything about the law is daunting and frankly, impossible. This is why we made a list of books about the law that online communities seem to always recommend, whether for education or entertainment.
To be clear, the majority of the books below apply to American law. But even if you’re not from the United States, you might still find their contents interesting and useful.
1. The Law Says What? by Maclen Stanley
Whether in news coverage and online articles to heated debates and social media, people hear about the law almost every day. And yet, the majority don’t really understand what it is, much less how it works.
Harvard Law School graduate and practicing attorney Maclen Stanley takes you on a crash course to the most bizarre but still relevant legal topics of today. From marijuana’s odd status to legal theft and murder, he condenses these subjects into fascinating, and easily digestible stories that everyone can read.
2. About Law by Tony Honoré
Many people consider this an excellent and comprehensive introduction to Western law. Inside, Professor Honoré discusses eleven topics that touch upon various branches of the law.
He also touches on the moral and historical aspects of the law, from the concept of justice to the systems set in place to enforce it. The discussion is broad and simply written, making it an accessible read for aspiring lawyers and laypeople.
3. The Rule of Law by Tom Bingham
There are a lot of phrases in law that have become common phrases—”the rule of law” being one of them. But it’s often misunderstood and misused.
The Rule of Law is the philosophy that all laws equally apply to everyone, including those who make and enforce them. Bingham discusses not only the history of this principle, but also its importance in forming a fair and just society, and the current strains that challenge it.
4. Letters to a Law Student by Nicholas McBride
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to study law? This collection of letters to a fictional student can help you with your path to law school, starting with a basic explanation of legal systems.
From knowing what law students study, how to make notes and ace tests, and what you can eventually do with a law degree, McBride gives all kinds of advice to prospective law students.
5. Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? By Michael J. Sandel
A big part of the law is the concept of justice. Can violence sometimes be justified? Is it right to tax the rich to help the poor? Are you being immoral when you lie?
Harvard professor, Michael J. Sandel takes this opportunity to discuss why having a basic understanding of philosophy gives you a more balanced perspective of morality, politics, and human nature. Especially when it comes to relevant societal conflicts such as abortion, patriotism, same-sex marriage, and euthanasia.
6. The Legal Analyst: a Toolkit for Thinking about the Law by Ward Farnsworth
Being such a complex subject, it is often difficult to understand the law, much less know the legal reasonings, implications, and tools behind it. And so Ward Farnsworth seeks to make these tools available in one source.
Each chapter is dedicated to a specific tool, explaining what it is and how it is used in legal matters. From classic ideas such as the “prisoner’s dilemma” or the “stag hunt” to downstream and upstream reasoning, this book is designed to provide you with a clear, and accessible understanding of each tool.
7. What About Law? by Catherine Barnard et al
Many people who consider studying the law and pursuing a legal career actually know little about the law or how it is taught by universities. This is why this book serves as a sampler for the study of law.
Inside are in-depth descriptions of various fields of law that can help a person decide what path to pursue. Included are introductions to relevant systems, case studies, and tools that show why the law is not the dull subject that many often think it is. Definitely a must-read before you start your legal studies.
8. Bleak House by Charles Dickens
The Court of Chancery is currently embroiled in a legal battle between Jarndyce and Jarndyce, which concerns multiple wills and the potential beneficiaries for them. Dickens meant the story to be a scathing critique against the courts of his time, which were slow, inefficient, and unfair.
Though it’s a fictional book, many lawyers find it an interesting book that portrays familial disputes and the underlying circumstances and beliefs that often drive families into litigation.
9. The Tools of Argument: How the Best Lawyers Think, Argue, and Win by Joel P. Trachtman
Lawyers are some of the best-trained in argumentation in the world. From law school to courtrooms, they constantly hone their ability to analyze arguments, effectively present their points, and most importantly, win.
In this book, Trachtman takes all the methods and tools of argumentation that lawyers use and puts them in a condensed, and comprehensible guide. It’s meant to not only help you make your point but also be more confident in doing so.
10. The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation by Jonathan Hennessey and Aaron McConnell
A constitution serves as the basic principles and laws of a nation. It’s what determines the powers and duties of a government and guarantees rights to citizens.
As such, it’s in everyone’s best interest to be aware of their constitution’s contents, though they can be a slog to read. This is why Hennessey and McConnell added visuals to the American constitution so it can be more easily digested.
How Do Beginners Study Law?
Law can be an intimidating subject to get into. There are a lot of fields to consider, with each having a lot of nuances that can often be on a case-by-case basis.
Add to this the sheer amount of information that you have to absorb and understand. That doesn’t even include learning how to apply it to relevant situations.
Considering all this, the best way to start studying law is to read copiously and widely. Make notes and consult anyone more knowledgeable than you.
And always remember to cover the basics. As stated in the last example above, knowing the front and back of your constitution will help you better understand the law.
What’s your favorite law book to read? Share it in the comments below!
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Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
