Proven effective in the classroom,The Study of Law: A Critical Thinking Approach, now in itsFifth Edition, brings real-world perspective to understanding basic legal concepts and the mechanics of the American legal system. The authors' acclaimed critical thinking approach actively engages students in the process of legal reading, analysis, and critical thinking. The text offers a thorough introduction to core topics and concepts, including sources and classifications of law, the structure of the court system, civil litigation and its alternatives, analyzing and interpreting the law, and substantive law.New to the Fifth Edition:Streamlined with the student in mind. For example, an enhanced explanation of how to brief a case in Chapter 1 (Introduction to the Study of Law), and a clearer discussion of executive orders and memoranda in Chapter 2 (Functions and Sources of Law).Chapter 5 on Civil Litigation and Its Alternatives is edited to focus on the key topics.Updated throughout, including:Chapter 6 (Constitutional Law):Packingham v. North CarolinaregardingFirst Amendment rights as they relate to the internet;Masterpiece Cakeshop Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission,addressing the balancing act between giving states the right to legislate for the general public good and the individual right to express religious beliefs;American Legion v. American Humanist Associationwith examples of how the Supreme Court applies theLemontest;and an enhanced discussion of the internet and the U.S. Constitution.Chapter 7 (Torts): Contemporary torts related to the #MeToo movement, cyberbullying, and cybertorts.Chapter 9 (Property and Estate Law):Matal v. Tamand expanded discussion of cases related to the Lanham Act.Chapter 10 (Laws Affecting Business): New coverage of public benefit corporations and the Family Medical Leave Act.Chapter 11 (Family Law): expanded discussion ofObergefell v. Hodges;Terrell v. Torres; and new discussion of DNA testing…