The Handy Law Answer Book, 2nd Edition

by David L Hudson, Jr., J.D.

What the law really is, says, and does is open to highly partisan interpretation. Opportunely, this concise, common-sense, authoritative guide will settle a lot of heated arguments as it unpacks "the complexities of the legal system." Jargon-free chapters explain U.S. law regarding federal and state courts, criminal procedure, personal injury, employment, credit, bankruptcy, family, and immigration. U.S. constitutional law is explained with special emphasis on the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment. … With clear, no-nonsense language, descriptions, and explanations, this fact-based guide tells it like it is and is confidently recommended … Politically unbiased, it may serve well to stimulate calm, productive, genial debate.

-Booklist

For anyone who wants to know more about coping with our court system, credit and bankruptcy law, employment law, family law, or personal injury law, Hudson has written an excellent guide that I highly recommend. Written in a way that is easy to understand, it will arm any reader with the knowledge of what to do in a wide variety of situations and what to expect.

Bookviews by Alan Caruba (on the previous edition)

The author is well-qualified. Overall, The Handy Law Answer Book does a nice job of introducing readers to the rules that govern our society and the practice of law. It is probably most useful as a general reference tool for those with a strong interest in history, government, politics, or legal studies.

Christian Library Journal (on the previous edition)

Using a question and brief answer format, this book answers every conceivable law query. The most potentially useful chapters focus on lawyers, lawsuits, criminal procedures, and credit and bankruptcy laws. Any reader with a legal issue will feel confident after learning the legalese that could be encountered in the court system.

VOYA (on the previous edition)

How many times have you slapped yourself on the forehead and said, "Wish I knew the law pertaining to my credit information!" Yeah, me neither. But when you really do need to know something about the law, a new reference book, "The Handy Law Answer Book" by David L. Hudson Jr., is just the ticket. . . . While not a substitute for a good attorney, "The Handy Law Answer Book" is a good source of basic information concerning the law and has a good appendix of online resources, a glossary of common legal terms. . . . I, for one, hope this is the first of a continuing series of explanatory law books for the layman and that Hudson has plans for future reference books along this line.

Wichita Falls Times Record News (on the previous edition)

Courtrooms and contracts.

Legal claims and criminal cases. The legal system can be complex, but you’ll be at an advantage with this enlightening guide by your side!

Understanding the law and navigating the legal system has never been more important. From the day you are born and get your government-issued birth certificate to finding a job and paying your taxes to your eventual death certificate, legal documents, legal rights and responsibilities, and the law are an inescapable part of our lives. Fully revised and updated to include an expanded and up-to-date understanding of individual rights and personal liberties—from the Bill of Rights to the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade—as well as an all-new chapter on immigration law, The Handy Law Answer Book 2nd edition answers over 750 of the most important, intriguing, and interesting legal questions many of us face, including …

What was the pressing need for the Constitution?
What is an example of a separation of powers problem?
How is a law created?
Why were the first ten amendments—the Bill of Rights—added to the U.S. Constitution?
What three freedoms does the Eighth Amendment protect?
How was the U.S. Supreme Court created?
What president ordered a commission to study various reform proposals to the U.S. Supreme Court?
How does tort law differ from criminal law?
Are children held to the same standards as adults?
What was the McDonald’s hot coffee case?
Can employers really discriminate against employees for any reason?
How does an employee prove a claim of religious discrimination?
If you are fired from your job, can you obtain unemployment benefits coverage?
What is an arrest?
How do you qualify for a court-appointed attorney?
What happens if a jury cannot reach a decision?
Can cousins legally marry?
What happens if a person refuses to pay child support?
How long does negative information stay on my credit report?
What is a credit freeze?
What does it cost to file for bankruptcy?
How does one become a U.S. citizen?

How can a person obtain asylum?

And many, many more!

Completely revised and updated for the first time in 15 years, The Handy Law Answer Book incorporates the latest Supreme Court rulings and their views on the Constitution, employment law, criminal law, family law, bankruptcy, affirmative action, Presidential immunity, same-sex marriage, and much, much more. Whether you’re in your living room or law school, this compelling resource will inform you of the basics of the law and legal principles. It will arm you with the knowledge you need to navigate and understand our system of justice!

About David L Hudson, Jr., J.D.

David L Hudson, Jr., J.D. David L. Hudson, Jr., J.D. is an Assistant Professor of Law, teaching First Amendment Law and Bar Exam Workshop at Belmont University’s College of Law. For 17 years, he was an attorney and scholar at the First Amendment Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Hudson also has taught classes at Vanderbilt Law School and the Nashville School of Law, and he served as a senior law clerk for the Tennessee Supreme Court. In June 2018, the Nashville School of Law awarded him its Distinguished Faculty Award. He earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University and his law degree from Vanderbilt Law School. He is an author, co-author, or co-editor of more than 40 books, including Visible Ink Press’s The Handy Law Answer Book, The Handy Supreme Court Answer Book, and The Handy American History Answer Book, as well as Let the Students Speak: A History of the Fight for Free Expression in American Schools and The Encyclopedia of the First Amendment (co-editor). He writes regularly for the American Bar Association’s Preview of United States Supreme Court Cases and ABA Journal, and the First Amendment Watch, and the Free Speech Center. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee.