1001 Legal Words You Need to Know explains and illuminates the most difficult and arcane vocabulary any American has to deal with--that of the law. This comprehensive--but never condescending--guide to the language of the American legal system carefully defines and explains every term, and many entries have supplementary notes and a sample sentence. These notes include information about grammar associated with certain terms, as well as an etymology section useful in finding the linguistic origins of each term. American and British spellings are differentiated (license vs. licence), as are singular and plural forms (dictum vs. dicta).

In addition, the book includes a number of quick mini-guides to legal troubleshooting that include information on understanding wills, trusts, and inheritance, granting someone a power of attorney, understanding contracts, what to do if you're sued, how to choose a lawyer, exploring law school, and enjoying cop and lawyer dramas. The backmatter contains an extensive list of legal aid organizations and a helpful bibliography of books about the law and lawyers for further reading.

Written for everyday people who only want to know "the basics," 1001 Legal Words You Need To Know is the perfect size and scope for anyone trying to see through the jargon of the American legal system.