A guide to law is more than just a reference book—it helps you navigate the complex legal system. Whether you’re an aspiring lawyer or simply curious about the legal world, these books will give you the tools to understand the laws that impact our everyday lives.

Most law students spend the bulk of their first year reading Supreme Court opinions. In this book, journalist Jeffrey Toobin pulls back the curtain to let you glimpse behind-the-scenes of one of our most important institutions.

This comprehensive and straightforward text will teach you the vocabulary and basics of intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, unfair competition, and more. Unlike many other resources, this guide uses clear and simple language to describe complicated subjects.

From drafting contracts and pleadings to briefs and memoranda, this guide will help you write clear and concise legal documents that your clients will understand. This second edition of Guthrie’s Guide includes significant new material based on reader queries and the author’s ongoing review of the writing that crosses his desk and screen.

The purpose of this research guide is to help members of the general public identify and locate sources of information on government and law online. It focuses on sites offering the full texts of laws, regulations, and court decisions, as well as commentary from lawyers who write primarily for other lawyers. The guide also notes resources providing more general information. We welcome suggestions for additional jurisdictional websites and other relevant resources.