"American Civil Procedure: An Introduction does a wonderful job of explaining clearly and directly both
the institutional bases and legal meaning of our procedural system. It combines a lucid and convincing analysis
of the way American civil procedure fits with the framework and values of our governmental system with a fascinating
step-by-step overview of the process of litigation from filing through appeal. It will be the best single resource
for a lay audience seeking a broad comprehension of the civil justice system as well as for specialists looking
for intriguing arguments about the promise and problems of that system."
--Austin Sarat, William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Jurisprudence and Political Science, Amherst College
"This is an impressive overview of American civil procedure that will provide a useful introduction to the
subject for lawyers, students, and the general public."
--Linda Silberman, New York University School of Law
"Easy to read and well-indexed, . . . [the book] is impressive to read for those seeking to understand the
factors that have formed and influenced our current civil procedure system."
--Barbara L. Fritschel, Legal Information ALERT
"A brief, yet thorough review of our law. . . . Law-related education is an important topic in the public
schools today, and the authors' description of the role of the Supreme Court and the lower federal courts will
serve as an important resource for teachers of civics and government courses. . . . The book's exploration of the
links between our democratic credo and the law, and its effort to match current practice against the ideal court
procedure, raise this work above the mere hornbook or form book. It provides enjoyable reading, not only for devotee,
but also for anyone interested in dispute resolution in American society."
--Henry S. Cohn, Federal Bar News & Journal
"Geoffrey Hazard and Michele Taruffo have produced a remarkable exegesis of their subject. As an introduction
for academics without law training, this book is without equal. It will help American proceduralists wishing to
acquire a comparative or global perspective. Beyond all that, it is simply a seamless, lucid, and thoroughly enjoyable
work."
--Gene R. Shreve, Michigan Law Review
Yale University Press Publishers Web Site, April, 2001
Summary
This clear and direct book by two distinguished professors of law describes and analyzes civil litigation in
the United States. Geoffrey C. Hazard, Jr., and Michele Taruffo discuss specific details and broader themes of
American civil litigation, explaining (without legalese) jury trial, the adversary system, the power of courts
to make law as well as to "declare" it, and the role of civil justice in government and in the resolution
of controversial social issues.