Lawrence J. Friedman Book order

Renowned legal historian Lawrence Friedman presents an accessible and authoritative history of American law from the colonial era to the present day. This fully revised fourth edition incorporates the latest research to bring this classic work into the twenty-first century. In addition to looking closely at timely issues like race relations, the book covers the changing configurations of commercial law, criminal law, family law, and the law of property. Friedman furthermore interrogates the vicissitudes of the legal profession and legal education. The underlying theory of this eminently readable book is that the law is the product of society. In this way, we can view the history of the legal system through a sociological prism as it has evolved over the years.

A compelling investigation of historically unpunished murders by a respected legal theorist. Lawrence M. Friedman compares different examples of unpunished homicides including early vigilante justice, crimes of passion and mercy killings, and argues that the basis of these 'crimes without punishment' are conflicts in social and cultural norms.

Under what conditions are laws and rules effective? Lawrence M. Friedman gathers findings from many disciplines into one overarching analysis and lays the groundwork for a cohesive body of work in “impact studies.” He examines the importance of communication on the part of lawgivers and the nuances of motive among those subject to the law.

The first comprehensive biography of Erich Fromm, capturing the personal, social, clinical, philosophic, and political aspects of an influential figure.

The first comprehensive biography of Erich Fromm, capturing the personal, social, clinical, philosophic, and political aspects of an influential figure.

Throughout America’s history, our laws have been a reflection of who we are, of what we value, of who has control. They embody our society’s genetic code. In the masterful hands of the subject’s greatest living historian, the story of the evolution of our laws serves to lay bare the deciding struggles over power and justice that have shaped this country from its birth pangs to the present. Law in America is a supreme example of the historian’s art, its brevity a testament to the great elegance and wit of its composition.

In a panoramic history of our criminal justice system from Colonial times to today, one of our foremost legal thinkers shows how America fashioned a system of crime and punishment in its own image.