A Crash Course in American Law

by J. Ryan Jones

Entertainment that will make you smarter!

Hot coffee, flying body parts, and how a jury once found that workplace harassment caused an armed robbery. These are hilarious true stories that are supported by actual court records, along with legal analysis explaining in plain English how each court reached its particular result. Learn how evidence is hidden from the jury (lawfully), why an armed robber who is caught red handed will be set free if police don't follow procedure, and why doctors are so obsessive about writing things down.

* This Kindle version also includes hyperlinks to selected court materials.

Genres: Nonfiction, Law, Reference, Humor

349 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2015

Reviews

[J. Ryan]

If you read the book and you don't spit coffee all over your Kindle at some point, I guarantee a complete refund of your money.*



*This is not a guarantee.

[Morgan Rae]

I'll admit that I don't know a heck of a lot about law, but J. Jones's book hooked me from page one. His writing style is incredibly witty and he knows how to boil down complex law cases into terms that anyone can understand and appreciate. I loved his style of writing and it made the stories very enjoyable and fun to read. I couldn't put it down! More than that, it's hard to believe these are REAL cases. He shed light on some truly fascinating stories and exposes a part of America that opens an interesting dialogue about some of the "loopholes" in our legal system. An important read for anyone who wants to become a lawyer and a hilarious, fun read for anyone who enjoys a little schadenfreude. A must-read!

[Pam Irwin]

This book had me laughing out loud and shaking my head. It was nice to read the true story behind the McDonald’s hot coffee lawsuit, poor Stella! The author is irreverent and contemptuous of those abusing our legal system. I appreciated the simplification of the cases examined. I especially enjoyed the lessons learned sections summarizing the outcomes of each case. If you’re looking for an interesting, fun read that will make you believe you are a model citizen, this would be a great book for you!

[Hal Brodsky]

This is a very funny book that is not a crash course in American Law, but a smugly written recap of bizarre cases illustrating a few points of Trial Law. It begins with the lady who burned herself with McDonald's coffee and proceeds to lesser known cases such as thieves who sue their victims, etc. It is rather well done and very amusing.

[Daniel Erickson]

You know, don't take financial advise from poor people and don't take legal advise from your sister in law (if she's sitting the those same sweat pants complaining she has rights, you have rights, and you otta sue someone.)

J. Ryan Jones brings a humorous slant on many famous cases in the world of Law (no mean feat) and lets you know how deep is can get. I had a good runway to the topic reading court briefs (because American news in toto is atrocious at covering any court related story and are honestly too busy spinning it into a red state/blue state narrative to be bothered with facts.)

There is a crucial aspect to American Jurisprudence and that we have placed faith in the hands of a rare few people to be wise and educated enough to read and interpret the law. At least that's how it's supposed to go. J. Ryan Jones brings us a multi-faceted focus on numerous topics such as "Negligence" covering what we should and shouldn't do for our fellow citizens, "Dangerous Products (covering what actually happened with that lady and her way too hot coffee at Mc Donalds and why it matters and how bad everyone lies about it), and criminal and employment law.

No one book will teach you the Law, but this one is a great overview of some of the worst told sticky cases.

Good book

[Peter]

I really enjoyed this book about the anomalies and twists in US law. The author writes in a clear, concise and humorous way. I read this book as I was going to sleep and found myself still chuckling as I drifted off. On a serious note, I ridiculed the McDonald's decision when an elderly woman was awarded significant damages when she was scalded by coffee. The author sets out the facts in that case and he certainly changed my mind.

[Bill Zawrotny]

This book was hilarious! A humorous look at the law that both lawyers and non-lawyers would enjoy. And it's written in (very funny) plain English.

[Jessica]

I give it to this guy, it’s hard to make legal jargon so absorbable.

[JustMe]

Entertaining view of today's crazy state of legal affairs

This first volume of anecdotes discusses a variety of legal topics, including employment, stand-your-ground, theft and other subjects.

The author includes the law involved, and elaborates with examples of situations where the issue occurs in real life. He discusses the various points of view and shares the eventual resolutions, often with humorous commentary and best/worst positions.

A great, alternative perspective of real world law applications.

[Brad]

Interesting legal insight

Very interesting collection of real life legal battles. It is great to not only read out the actual process but to also be given an understanding of all of the parts along the way. The sarcasm is greatly appreciated.

[Phil Lawless]

A fun read about some weird cases that have been tried. The author is a lawyer and explains the ins and outs of the relevant law that led to the judgments delivered. There are some sobering results that have occurred. There is a part deux in production that I will probably get.

[Jill]

Very entertaining writing style, A+ in snark. It was interesting to learn the background and facts about highly publicized and/or weird lawsuits. Sometimes what the public - or the jury - gets to hear is only a sliver of the whole truth.

[Debbi Carter]

Fun and funny read!

I have always been interested in the law and in this book, not only do you learn about the law, but you have nearly as much fun as the author must have had. I strongly recommend this book.

[Ann]

Well it had lots of legal cases stories in it. If you understood legal terms you probably would understand a lot more of what was written. Me a normal person , it was hard to figure out.
More like telling you legal terms than a story.

[Maurean]

I thoroughly enjoyed this one! A study of some of the craziest cases with an explanation on why they were ruled on as they were. The voice of the author is terribly snarky, and completely hilarious. Entertaining and informative, what more could a reader ask for?!

[Susie]

Entertaining.

[Pumpguy]

Informational and very witty.

The guy knows his stuff, presenting odd lawsuits in truly funny ways. Laugh and cry simultaneously: what more could you ask?

[Deborah Ozmer Diaz]

A humorous explanation of court cases that made headlines in the US. I can't believe some of the outcomes because the truth is stranger than fiction!!

[Annette]

This was a great read. So interesting and the author included so much wit it kept me cracking up throughout. Highly recommend this!

[deborah trout]

Information you can use

This book informs as well as entertains. Boy, does it entertain. I laughed out loud and learned some things too.

[Nimira]

Hilarious

Fabulous job on clarifying the law the best that it can be. No easy task. It's amazing the extent people will go through to get easy money.

[Ruth]

A humorous look at the US legal system. In between the chuckles and head shakes, I think I actually learned a little something, which is always a plus.

[Amy Katherine Wolff]

Entertaining & Educational

What a fun book!! I learned a lot while laughing a lot. Probably much better than sitting through a lecture in law school!!