Before the Law promotes an interdisciplinary approach for introducing students to the purpose and practice of law in our society. Excerpts from recent and classic court cases, as well as material on trends in legal studies come from a range of legal sources, including court opinions; sociological, psychological, and anthropological analyses; historical and philosophical approaches; and literary reflections.

Over 30 percent of the readings are new and cover topics such as online dispute resolution and protection of personal and property rights in cyberspace; gay marriage; and post-9/11 legislation for fighting terrorism.

• The pedagogy features epigraphs, introductory comments, notes and questions, conclusions, suggested reading, and an index.
• All six authors are founding members of the American Legal Studies Association, which promotes legal education courses for undergraduates.