Suggested Books for Summer Reading:

You will need a law dictionary for law school. Choose either (or if you can afford it, both):

Blacks Law Dictionary

by Bryan A. Garner (Ed.)(7th Ed. 1999)

(this is the comprehensive hardcover ... a lifetime investment)

You will also want a pocket edition law dictionary to carry to class.

We suggest:

Black's Law Dictionary (Pocket)

by Bryan A. Garner (West 2d. ed. 2001)

Study of Law

The following books provide introductions to the study of law. Each takes a slightly different approach to the subject. You may want to go to the UMKC bookstore and browse through each to decide which, if any, would be helpful to you.

Introduction to Law, Law Study and the Lawyer's Role

by James E. Moliterno, Frederic Lederer, Frederic I. Lederer (Carolina Academic Press 1991)

Shapo and Shapo's Law School Without Fear: Strategies for Success

by Helene S. Shapo, Marshall S. Shapo (Foundation Press, 2nd ed. 2002)

Bridging the Gap between College and Law School: Strategies for Success
by Ruta K. Stropus, Charlotte D. Taylor (Carolina Academic Press 2001)

1000 Days to the Bar--But the Practice of Law Begins Now
by Dennis J. Tonsing (William S. Hein & Co. 2003)

Introduction to the Study & Practice of Law in a Nutshell

by Kenney F. Hegland (West Group, 3rd ed. 2000)

Arguing Well
by John Shand (Paperback - September 2000)

Introduction to Law

These two books provide basic overviews of the American legal system. They are written for lay persons and provide a useful overview for those of you who have not recently had an opportunity to study the basics of law.

Law 101: Everything You Need to Know About the American Legal System

by Jay M. Feinman (Oxford University Press 2000)

Fundamentals of American Law

by Alan B. Morrison (Editor), et al (Oxford Univ. Press 1996)