This book discusses principles of the common law, with attention to how the subjects of tort law, contract law, and property law have developed in the United States. The focus is on modern law and how it has changed from more formalistic rules that were used in the past. It is an ideal introductory guide for law students and others interested in modern legal reasoning. The book pays special attention to parallels and correspondences between its legal subject areas, showing how they fit together into a larger picture. While teaching the material at a sophisticated level and avoiding "tips" and "tricks," the book includes notes on what to focus on when learning the common law and includes a significant amount of material that shows the subtleties of modern legal education.