The American Legal System and Civic Engagement

In recent years there has been a widely-recognized and serious lack of rational and civil public discussion about current issues. In The American Legal System and Civic Engagement, Manaster asserts that ordinary citizens can form their opinions on public issues more intelligently, confidently, and responsibly if they have some guidance on how to do it. Drawing from the tools and traditions of the American legal system, he offers guidance to aid citizens in understanding public issues and participating in the type of responsible public debate these challenging issues deserve. From analyzing the influence of the media in informing the public, to examining the role of the citizen as a juror, The American Legal System and Civic Engagement is a practical and informative guide to how Americans can better perform the civic duty that modern democracy requires.

The book promotes greater civic engagement through enhanced practical skills in issue analysis and understanding of media influences, information resources, and political dynamics. As a comprehensive introduction to legal reasoning and decision making, the book will be of interest to professors teaching prelaw courses or otherwise counseling students who are preparing for law school. n increasing number of civic organizations and local government agencies are giving greater attention to voter education. The book's approach to citizens' understanding of complex public issues would be an invaluable addition to those efforts.

Autorentext
Kenneth A. Manaster is Professor of Law and Presidential Professor of Ethics and the Common Good at Santa Clara University, USA, where he principally teaches environmental law, tort law, and administrative law. He has also taught at The University of Texas, Stanford University, and Hastings College of the Law. His other books include Environmental Protection and Justice and Illinois Justice: The Scandal of 1969 and the Rise of John Paul Stevens.

Zusammenfassung
Drawing from the tools and traditions of the American legal system, he offers guidance to aid citizens in understanding public issues and participating in the type of responsible public debate these challenging issues deserve.

Inhalt

1. The Citizen's Task
2. The Citizen's Obstacles
3. Conventional Guidance
4. The Law's Tools and Traditions
5. The Citizen as Juror
6. Inescapable Differences
7. Guidance from the Law
8. Conclusion: About Responsibility