American Legal Systems: A Resource and Reference Guide, now in its fourth edition, is a reader-friendly introduction to U.S. legal principles, terms, institutions, and sources of law, including a discussion of precedent and the defining concept of stare decisis. Many of the concepts covered are tied to the realities of law practice. The text provides practice, tips, and instruction, including templates, on how to prepare and commonplace legal documents. Website sources are provided for additional information.

The information is largely presented in charts, with explanatory interspatial text to provide context, and can be used as a complement to other coursework or on its own as an introduction to the U.S. legal system.