Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law
by Merriam-Webster

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law
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Book Summary Information

Author: Merriam-Webster
Edition: Paperback
Published: 1996-09
ISBN: 0877796041
Number of pages: 634
Publisher: Merriam-Webster

Book Reviews of Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law

Book Review: Very Useful
Summary: 5 Stars

I had planned on buying "Black's Law Dictionary", but the review of this dictionary made me think twice. I did a comparison of some key words and phrases between these two and several others. This one was the winner.

The price was not an object, but it sure is nice to pocket the extra money. This dictionary had similar definitions, but slightly more readable. What was the tipping point were the additional description of how they are used -- not just the definition, but was it means and some historical usages.

The extras at the back are nice. They will probably be more useful than I had suspected, especially the summaries of important Supreme Court cases.

Summary of Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law

To the ordinary person, who hasn't spent three years grinding through law school, legalese gets its point across as clearly and effortlessly as a dose of ancient Greek. Right up there with medical lingo, legal jargon confuses and alienates folks, makes them feel stupid and ill at ease. A translation or two, however, can go a long way toward clearing the legal air. With concise and sensible definitions, Merriam Webster's Dictionary of Law converts a lease, will, or summons into standard English, and removes the intimidation factor from what is, basically, an effort at reliable communication. Been wondering about tortfeasors and arrears, peculation and naked promises, John Doe summonses and Terry stops? From ABA (American Bar Association) to Zone of Privacy ("an area or aspect of life that is held to be protected from intrusion by a specific constitutional guarantee"), the dictionary defines and explains 10,000 legal terms, allowing a ready grasp of laws, statutes, and legal procedures to anyone who knows how to crack open a dictionary.

Despite the title, the book is more than a mere dictionary. There's a chapter explaining the United States judicial system, a chapter discussing important legal cases, and another summarizing important laws. There's also a section on important legal agencies in the U.S., followed by the full Constitution of the United States, making this a useful family legal reference, adding clarity to news reports, assisting with homework assignments, simplifying potentially scary legal actions, and making government agencies, civil rights, and legal options less daunting and more accessible. --Stephanie Gold


A convenient, comprehensive guide to the language of law. Over 10,000 entries. Includes pronunciations, example phrases, and usage notes. Special sections on the judicial system, legal cases, government agencies, and historic laws.

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