Law Books

Noam Chomsky writes about the first 9/11 which took place on Tuesday September 11th 1973 in Chile when the democratically elected government of Salvador Allende was overthrown by the military forces of Augusto Pinochet. The coup had full backing of he US government and an estimated 3200 people where killed(although figures are believed to be twice as high) and over 30000 people tortured. The government of Pinochet started collaborating with other right wing dictatorships in the South american region creating an international state terrorist program called "Operation Condor". This program "killed and tortured mercilessly in the region and branched out to terrorist operations in Europe and the United States".

Pinochet was greatly honored by both Ronald Reagan and Thatcher. But worse terror was to come in both Argentina and the central American region by "the current incumbents in Washington and their immediate mentors". It was really the American fear of the independent nationalism of Chile that sparked this coup. The fear was based on the fact that Chile might become a "conttagious example", as Henry Kissinger called it, for other nations to follow. Therefore Americas obssession with Cubas successfull "defiance of the master" or even with Irans defiance with their overthrowing of the Shah in 1979. This was the real reason for the US intervention in Vietnam as well, because the country could become a "virus infecting others" (notably resource rich Indonesia). This could eventually destabalize the entire region putting the resource interests of US corporations and the British at risk . In other words, it was necessary to "justify destruction of parliamentary regimes and imposition of murderous dictatorships throughout much of the world in order to guarantee stability and control of vital resources". The virus had to be destroyed.

Public fear would have it that the domino theory would be put into effect. Ho Chi Min would conquer South East Asia, and the successfull rebellion in Nicaragua would create many similar states in central America spreading the communist scourge all over the world. Therefore it was important to sell the idea that you where fighting the Soviets, when in fact it was democracies pursuing national interests that where being crushed to ensure the safeguarding of access to resources. The Soviets have now been replaced by narco trafficers, Al-qaeda or just terrorists in general. These have all become legitimate excuses for interventions and "democracy promotion", the latest example of course being Iraq. As the pipe dream of weapons of mass destruction became apparent, the high flying ideal of democracy promotion was put forward by the Bush II administration. This would surley lead to a democratization of the whole region. The truth is that it has had quite the contraty effect, actually it has promoted the spread of terrorism in the region. This was now turned into an "idealistic war" based on Americas "messianic mission" to bring democracy to the middle east.

Britain created modern day Iraq to ensure control over its oil resources after the fall of the Ottoman Empire after world war 1. The Iraqi wealth remained in the hands of a few wealthy landowners, sheiks and of course the British. Their colonial rule and its brutally repressive society lasted up until 1958 when Abdul Karim Kasim overthrew the British colonial rulers. Both the British and the Americans reacted immediatley fearing the Qasims actions would spread like a virus among other Arab states in the region. It had to be stopped and president Eisenhower went as far as to say that Qasim was trying to "get control of the middle east oil to get the income and the power to destroy the western world". Of course this virus had to be stopped and in 1963 the CIA under the Kennedy administration organized a regime change in Iraq, in collaboration with a young Saddam Hussein and the Baath party. The CIA provided the Baath party with lists of suspected Communists and leftists and the slaughter began. National security council staffer Roger Morris writes about this time saying "The Baathists systematically murdered untold numbers of Iraqs educated elite" including "hundreds of doctors, teachers, technicians, lawyers and other professionals as well as military and political figures."

Americas actions during the Reagan administration in El Salvador during the 1980s became a model for Iraq. Here the administration saw to it that "technically credible elections" where held but that the Christian democratic candidate won. The administration "could not concieve of an El Salvador in which the military was not the dominant actor, the economic elite no longer held the national economy in its hand" ..."the US government had no real conception of democracy in El Salvador." As the "democracy promotion" commenced in El Salvador the state sponsored terror expanded within the country, all the while supported by Washington. The opposition was slaughtered in the 10s of thousands, the independent press was completley destroyed, and torture, rape and other atrocities where rampantly commited by government sanctioned death squads. In the words of the (surviving) jesuit priests of the country "alternatives that differ from those of the powerfull" didnt stand a chance.

John Negroponte is serving in the current Bush administration in charge of counterterrorism. He worked as ambassador to Honduras during the 1980s. Here he was also in charge of, at the time, the worlds largest CIA station. Negroponte "was essentially managerially in charge of the Contra war in an extraordinary way for a diplomat". Negroponte denied the atrocitiés being commited in Honduras so as to assure that the military aid kept flowing to the international terrorist operations he was running. He was closely associated with General Alvarez who was the chief of the Honduran armed forces, Negroponte praised his "dedication to democracy", the infamous Honduran batallion 3-16 was one of the most brutal and vicious groups of Latin American killers and they where on the CIA payroll.

America has overthrown many democratically elected governments and installed brutal military dictatorships in their place. Some examples include: Guatemala, Iran, Chile, Brazil and a long list of others. All in the name of "democracy promotion". But instead of promoting democracy, democracy has been subverted. Client states have instead been created, designed to serve the privledged elites and creating "favorable interests for her(Americas) private overseas investment". Communism was often used as a cover term for the threat of independant development. So infact the "virus" that has been repeatedly destroyed has been popular democracy.

Noam Chomsky describes two diagramtically opposed faces of his own country; one relating to what its government does and another relating to what his fellow citizens know. In between there is a compliant press that is not good at being impartial. The government of the USA seems to be an oligarchy that leans to the far right and less far right alternately, and the press seems to be its propaganda machine. I am not a communist, not even a socialist. I merely belive in an intrinsic dignity of humanity that needs to be more assertive. While he may not have all the answers, Noam Chomsky helps us ask more questions.

Ever since learning about Ron Paul last January, my interest in politics, especially those of the libertarian position, have increased approximately 800%. I considered myself a libertarian a good year before learning about him and his campaign but once I got into his message and delved deeper into the foreign policies of the likes of McCain, Obama, Hillary, and past figures such as Reagan and Bill Clinton, I was revolutionized and cured of any and all political apathy I had. Of course my libertarian views don't just rest on foreign policy, but it is a large part of my concern.

So though I generally do not agree with Noam Chomsky on economics and private property, I understand where he's coming from and I know he means well; I generally agree with the rest of his views, including his foreign policy views which are similar to Ron Paul inasmuch as he views the United States' arrogance with nation-building and intervention as a key problem in the world today. This is actually the first Chomsky book I have read and will not be the last. Presented almost in the manner of an extended thesis paper (quotes and citations are in the thousands in this book), it makes for a stimulated if occasionally dry read as Chomsky begins by dissecting America's interventionist "democracy promoting" policies in Iraq, Vietnam, and elsewhere as well as our supreme hypocrisy with propping up brutal regimes in places such as Indochina and elsewhere. He mentions that as conflicts such as the 1999 NATO bombing of Serbia raged, brutal dictators elsewhere were left unscathed, as our economic and resource interests lay abound with the support of many of these brutal regime. Chomsky proves in a very academic sense how few (and possibly none) of our foreign policy intrusions since Woodrow Wilson (and dating back to John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson) have been for much more than empire-building, resource claiming, and the removal and/or propping-up of dictators who are against our interests (in the former's case) and who will be an aid to our interests (in the latter).

Though I found Chomsky to be somewhat of a dry writer (like I said, the book assumes you have a vast knowledge of American foreign policy history past and present), he is brilliant. When I say dry I mean that it is very clinical and not written in a way that might grab the average reader, but for readers like myself with an attention span and an interest in the subject it is a blast to read. I found myself marking pages and highlighting a lot so I could go back and do further research upon completion.

In short, this is an excellent read for anyone curious about America's disastrous and insanely hypocritical and arrogant policies towards our fellow nations. Neocon republicans (and some Democrats who worship the likes of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama) will be brought to rage by its brutal honesty, but in the end will not be able to intelligently refute any of it. Highly recommended.

This is the first time I have felt compelled to write a review. Perhaps I need to read earlier books, but Failed States seems extremely biased, lacking focus, incoherent, and having a weak structure. I don't necessarily disagree with the conclusions in it, but I find the presentation of his ideas inadequate toward convincing a non-biased audience.

The book throws facts, figures, and data at you at an impressive rate, but doesn't try to build that information into a convincing whole. The authors obvious familiarity with the topics matters little when an unbiased reader is confused by his casual references and statements of fact with minimal support. Information without structure and context is very suspect. In particular, his claims of what the American people really want seemed to be casually talked about.

Even so I enjoyed reading criticism of American foreign policy. Concerning that criticism, the author doesn't offer a foil by comparing it to those Failed States that the US is being compared to. Nor, despite the authors claims to the contrary, does he really offer much advice upon specific changes. I believe he thinks changes needed are evident by what he chooses to attack. They weren't obvious to me besides "Stop doing the horrible things I am telling you about." That isn't telling anyone what they should be doing instead.

I'm a bit curious if the authors believes he is influencing open-minded people with the book. Obvious bias weakens credability. I am forced to hazard the guess that this is simply written for those who already agree with his stances.

When he stuck-to books on Transformational grammar,the Noamster was an interesting academic.[Providing insight into so-called Language Acquisition Mechanism...triggered in children in all languages by exposure to mother's "baby talk"and her function as LANGUAGE LOGOS...and a complementary READING Acquisition Mechanism(which is not-quite-as "automatic"(cf~Frank Smith UNDERSTANDING READING~A Psycholinguistic Analysis of Reading & Learning to Read)and can be(has been)driven into latency by too much of the Plug-in Drug(TV)and Digital stupor(Computer gazing & BATMAN violent/mindless video games;cf~The DUMBEST GENERATION by Professor Mark Bauerlein]...

As political commentator,however,Chomsky has consistently manifested himself as intolerant,intellectual inbred(disagree with NC at MIT seminar and you'll fail the class,or be thrown-out). His appeal is to relics of Marcuse-GrouchoMarxist/epoch who take their spoiled,privileged lives in the USA for granted like petulant brats they have" become like that which they behold & are beholden to." Chomsky's pol-raving is often unreadable dreck, popularized by Heideggerians and PM claque. If you want to read what you "think" you're reading in Chomsky,start with Czeslaw Milosz's THE CAPTIVE MIND. The United States is the most successful experiment in Res populi in world history. If you don't concede this,you need to visit a Worker's Paradise.(Second:read DARKNESS AT NOON by Koestler before you go~~it may keep you from getting shot by those you fawningly worship from safety of this wonderful nation.Or read some--now defunct--USSR history. Here's your murderous KGB/OGPU-power abusing FAILED STATE)...

In comparison to the other casebooks I've been forced to read this year as a 1L, this casebook is probably the best written. Instead of just placing emphasis on the cases and the rules to glean from them, it also highlights key principles and strategies to use as a lawyer in the future(termed lawyering by the authors). I must admit that taking Nathan Crystal's contract class obviously helps in the understanding of the book, but it's a good regardless.

This seller is great, the book is in great condition and I paid half of what everyone else paid, not to mention the fact that the bookstore sold out and I was one of the only people in my class that had a book. Great seller, great conditioned book, fast shipping. Thanks!!!

This casebook was, by far, the best casebook I had as a 1L. It was well-organized, insightful, and clear. The author notes did much to clarify the complexities of contract law. As a student of Knapp's I'm probably a bit biased, but I did effectively learn my contracts.

This book is extremely tedious. The authors use extensive language, commentary, and notes which further confuse and do not explain the already-difficult concepts presented in the cases.

Not for pleasure reading. This book is used in Contracts Law classes; if your professor is not one who likes explaining things to any great extent I highly suggest purchasing a supplement or two to help you understand on your own.

zanandjayna's review sums up much about how I feel about this casebook.

Other complaints that I had is that the notes/comments sections are quite poor and are usually of little relevance to the case and/or concept you just studied. Also many of the cases have been poorly edited, leaving out key concepts that most prof's expect you to know.

All in all, this is a poor casebook. If you use it i recommend a good supplement.

Review pertains to 5th edition

Thanks for the book and the very quick service.

THE BOOK WAS DESCRIBED AS VERY GOOD AND SAME AS DESCRIBED BY AMAZON....EVEN THOUGH IT ARRIVED QUICKLY, PAGES WERE UNDERLINED AND HIGHLIGHTED, AND HAD FRAYED AND STAINED EDGES. THE BOOK IS ABLE TO BE USED, BUT WASN'T HAPPY WITH DIFFERENCE FROM DESCRIPTION.

This book is a comprehensive guide to professional who have an interest about the American Legal and Judicial System. Very well written is actually very easy to read. Really a very good book.

Very interesting and informative book on how the US Constitution has been raped by the US Supreme Court over the years. A must read for everyone!

This book should be required reading for anyone who plans to vote. If you'd like a laundry list of most everything that's been done to eviscerate the Constitution and lead America down the wrong path, this is the book for you.
Also, if you'd like to support authors who are brave enough to speak the truth (a rare thing today), buy this book. I was beginning to think no one but Ron Paul had read the Constitution. After you've read this book, ask yourself if Obama, McCain or any of our elected officials have ever read the Constitution. If they have, they simply don't care what it says.

I recommend that everyone read The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Constitution. It clearly shows how the Supreme Court has, since the founding of our country, taken more and more power for itself that never was granted by the Constitution. It explains why law is now based on past Court rulings, instead of on the words of the Constitution itself (unless, of course, the Supreme Court conveniently chooses to ignore any past precedents in order to make a new ruling they want to impose on the country).

Some of the reactions to Court rulings mentioned in the book include: "Louisiana briefly considered responding to the Court's decision in the Flag-burning Case by making it legal to beat up flag-burners. Perhaps such violence is covered by `freedom of expression.' In the end, Louisiana didn't go ahead with the idea: state legislatures often are more restrained in their behavior than the Court is."

Interesting sidebars in the book include "Books You're Not Supposed to Read," which includes The Politically Incorrect Guide to American History by Thomas Woods. After reading this Guide to the Constitution you will know which Supreme Court justice was a former Ku Klux Klansman, who "took the lead in writing the twentieth-century Klan's views on church-state relations into `constitutional law.'" Sidebars also contain interesting facts such as: "Supreme Logic: Fraud Is a Contract--According to [Chief Justice] Marshall in Fletcher v. Peck (1810), a fraudulent land purchase was a `contract'-and was thus subject to the protection of the Contracts Clause. `Coincidentally,' Marshall was a substantial land investor." You will also learn which Court ruling was based on "penumbras, formed by emanations from those guarantees [in the Bill of Rights] that help give them life and substance." This book is a great starting place for understanding how we got from the guaranteed freedoms of the Constitution to where we are today.

I had just read The Revolution by Ron Paul when I saw this book. Interested in learning more about the Constitution I thought it looked promising. I had no idea what a treat I was in for. I couldn't put it down. Kevin Gutzman masterfully lays out how the constitution has been used and abused to achieve political ends that were not intended to be achieved. And the abuses started happening from the beginning, before the ink was even dry on the document. This book will help any reader gain a better understanding of the purpose of the constitution, what it says, what the framers meant, and how that has been ignored by far too many Supreme Court justices, Presidents, Senators, and Congressmen in the quest for power over the people. Gutzman is an excellent guide and by bringing out the human element in this fascinating journey he makes it very interesting to read. I highly recommend you read this book. Enjoy!

When I studied constitutional law in law school, we studied what the Supreme Court said about the Constitution. I recall that our constitutional law text began its discussion of the First Amendment using an excerpt from Justice Hugo Black's opinion in the 1947 case of Everson v. Board of Education. What is vitally important in the study of any "text" - the historical background - was missing from my law school education.

Kevin Gutzman (an historian and attorney) provides the needed background in this outstanding book. As Gutzman shows in detail, while the Constitution did increase the power of the federal government as the expense of the states, the states still remained sovereign. In fact three states (Maryland, Virginia and Rhode Island) ratified the Constitution with the proviso that they were reserving the right to withdraw from the union if they saw fit. The Southern states did have the right to secede.

The Constitution thus remained a quintessentially state's right document.

Two things changed this. First, Justice John Marshall interpreted the Constitution in a way beneficial to Supreme Court and federal power. Second, the Supreme Court gradually held that the Fourteenth Amendment "incorporated" the provisions of the Bill of Rights, making them binding on the states. Prof. Gutzman's attack on these two pillars of Court supremacy is quite persuasive.

In the Constitutional scheme as understood by Prof. Gutzman, the states retain almost complete power to regulate the economy, personal morality, and religion. This leads to some (by today's standards) unusual conclusions. While Prof. Gutzman rejects the "right to privacy" underlying such decisions Roe v. Wade, he also believes that the Supreme Court's decision in Pierce v. Society of Sisters (which struck down an Oregon law requiring nearly all children to attend public schools) an impermissible extension of judicial power over a purely state matter. This is a consistent state's rights view not held by any "conservatives" on the Supreme Court.

This is a vital work, which should be required reading for all law students and all Americans. I also recommend WHO KILLED THE CONSTITUTION? by Prof. Gutzman and Prof. Thomas Woods.

Read this book(!) if you care about the freedoms we enjoy in America or wonder about the limits that have been placed on them. It is history.., but the book reads like a set of short stories. It is enlightening, insightful, surprising, engaging, and down right scary in parts (the whos and whys of many court decisions) . Whether your interests are in freedoms related to speech, the press, or privacy, or all of the above; this is your primer.

In this brief history of the First Amendment one sees the array of interests that have so decisively shaped the interpretation of the First Amendment. Racism, religion, history, and politics are just a few of the more obvious forces that have shaped and reshaped the laws governing our freedoms. Less obvious forces that Lewis highlights are just as intriguing. Experiencing, through Lewis' non academic writing style, the chronology of events and court decisions, from Dred Scott to Guantanamo related (habeas corpus) decisions, this is a great read.

The fact that a book like this is even being written for the layman is very encouraging. It demonstrates that there is an emerging interest in what our freedoms are, how they evolved to this point, and by extension, how they can continually be refined to satisfy our ever changing needs as a "liberal democracy".

If you know the "enemies" of the First Amendment, you will be better prepared to fight them. If you know the effects of excesses in freedoms, you will be more likely to avoid them. Lewis gives you both, along with his humble thoughts on the major issues addressed in his book.

Thank you Mr. Lewis for taking the time to write this book. I cannot stop talking to friends, colleagues, and strangers about how it has brought to my attention just how recent our "freedom of speech" really is. Although our founding fathers might have written the text over 200 years ago, men and women were still being jailed under the libel laws and Sedition Acts. Current and future reporters please read this book and use it as a reminder of the importance of your role in our democracy, by keeping our leaders honest with your thorough research and candid accounts. Every American should read this book!

Unless a person goes to law school, it is unlikely that he or she will learn the 200 year old history of the First Amendment...yet is is a fascinating and necessary history to learn. The thesis of the book is that our common notion of what "freedom of speech and press" means in America is not self evident law. In fact, the author explains, our right to criticise the government and its leaders was developed and protected by "activist judges."

Think about the role of activist judges - many of whom are criticised today in certain political circles. Anthony Lewis reminds us that American activist judges used the language that all persons are born free and equal to issue rulings that slavery was against the law as early as 1783. 150 years later it was again activist judges and lawyers who struck down the Espionage Act of World War I which punished speech against the war. So it was only in the twentieth century that the First Amendment was used to protect free speech and condemn a statute that infringed this liberty.

Author Anthony Lewis takes us on a historical journey through First Amendment cases from its beginnings in the constitutional convention to its interpretation by the Jeffersonians and the Federalists to Woodrow Wilson's oppressive statutes, and finally to the more recent cases of flag desecration and the Patriot Act. Mr. Lewis is clear headed and forceful in his history and arguments. As I see it, this volume is one of the top 10 books on the law that I have ever read. I suggest it as a gift to your sons and daughters, to your high school or college students who care about what America means. Highly recommended.

As CS Lewis made "righteousness readable", Anthony Lewis makes legal history readable. It may well be that law originates in the mind of God, but the law we live by is made on earth by courts explaining what legislatures mean. Tony Lewis finds a golden thread running through American history: The First Amendment.As he tells us about the cases in which its meaning has been evolving,and about the lives of the legal giants who have expounded it, we get a firmer grip on what makes America distinct. For those who genuinely enjoy history, this is a page turner.

One of my favorite things about reading history is getting a perspective on how new some ideas are even when they feel like they've been around forever. This book absolutely has that effect... and it's a really healthy thing.

Lewis does a nice job of laying out the history of free speech. He starts before the founding of the United States, but spends most of his time exploring the development of the right since the United States founding. What you see is how, even in two short centuries, the understanding of freedom of speech has evolved into what we take for granted today.

Starting with the Alien and Sedition Acts during John Adams presidency and working his way forward, you really come to understand that the freedom of speech we enjoy today is far in excess of what citizens of the very same country enjoyed 200, 100, or even 50 years back. It's truly fascinating to get that perspective and it helps you to understand that rights can go as easily as they can come if they aren't defended vigilantly and vigorously.

Highly recommended for fans of history or for anyone who wants to understand a little more about where one of America's fundamental rights came from. Lewis has written a clear, concise history of an idea and a right.

The casebook is only ok, so get a good book of briefs. Read the brief first, THEN read the case in the casebook. For briefs I used ISBN 0976871602, which had a well written brief for every case assigned in class, and it was REALLY helpful.

A real page turner.
A terrific romp for the entire family.

It could use a little more character development, but otherwise... I laughed... I cried... I studied... a lot.

It drives me nuts that there is a new edition for the 2007-2008 school year, but at least the cases are interesting and generally illustrative of the concepts being taught. Like most casebooks, don't expect to get everything that you need out of it.

Though I have to agree with many of the other reviewers that this particular casebook is more philosophically grounded, I firmly believe that that basis is what makes it a great casebook. Since criminal law varies with each jurisdiction, the concepts you can learn by using this criminal law casebook will form the basis for understanding and applying criminal law in practice.

I have to admit, however, that it did take me a while to wrap my head around the casebook but, if you're professor is engaging you in the discussion (I'm assuming you are a student) then gradually you will start to see how Dressler's discussion on certain philosophical topics as why the criminal law punishes fits into important criminal law concepts such as: statutory interpretation, the elements of a crime, defenses etc.

As other's have mentioned there is a supplement that Lexis put out in their understanding series that Dressler wrote. Also, if you get your hands on the Sum and Substance CD series Dressler is also the narrator.

In addition, if you do have to use this casebook pay attention to the notes and notecases since many of them deal with important criminal law tests and cases that may show up on your exam. They often times will be buried and you may gloss over them not realizing their importance.

Less interconnective than a pair of Lego building bricks; fewer chase scenes than any good torts class; unable to leap tall buildings in a single bound. All in all, if you understand that somebody had intent, or what the bourgeoise elite call "mens rea," you can frame them for practically any crime. Conversely, if you can show that the defendant wasn't even thinking at the time, you can get him a greatly reduced sentence, if not off entirely. That's the essential theme of this book.

Unfortunately, Amazon won't allow me to rate the book higher -- it's an awesome doorstop.

I can't believe how fast my book was shipped! I received it on Saturaday, just in time for class on Monday night. I would definitely order from here again no questions asked, excellent service, you scored 100% in my book thank you! oh the book was in mint condition no wear or tears and no highlightings at all! Thanks again.

This is a nice textbook. This textbook is very easy to use with great references. This book will be useful even after the class is over. It is very useful.

This was a life saving

This is the book that I go to when people ask me about criminal law procedure. The text is comprehensive from investigation and examination to execution of sentencing. If your CJ curriculum uses this book and you are debating on whether to buy it, buy it. I have an earlier version and although it may be dated, it would be in case law only. Because of the breadth of information compiled in this text, I used this book alone for a ton of my classes.

As the Training Program Assistant at the Calcasieu Parish Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy, I would like to express that this textbook is a wonderful addition to our facility during the cadet's fifty-two hour Criminal Procedure block of instruction. The attending cadet's have considered these textbooks as their bestfriend during their basic training sessions and have given high reviews. At this time we are currently looking into the possible purchase of the fourth or fifth edition of this textbook for our future basic sessions.

I purchased this expecting some advice on legal issues, but this book is so much more. It talks you through the whole process of producing a film from start to finish, including valuable information on finding investors, attaching stars, behind the scene terminology, production advice, sample legal forms and what do with your film once you've made a cut. All of the advice is indispensable. This is a must have for any independent film producer, especially those new to the industry. It should be taught as a textbook in film schools. The most helpful book on producing I've stumbled upon yet.

I highly recommend this book. As a first time amateur independent film producer, with about 30 film books resting on my shelf, I believe I was constantly thumbing through this one the most during preproduction. This book contains so much useful information and helpful insights, it's almost like having an industry consultant right there with you. Unlike other books, there weren't a lot of sections where they seemed to rush on to the next chapter without exploring the present topic in some depth.

If it's not already, this book will soon become the industry standard for substantive knowledge of the film business for independent filmmakers. Deal points, standard contract provisions, the often technical and confusing jargon, and the historical context for many industry practices are all covered here in comprehensive yet concise fashion. Topics of interest that are covered in depth include standard talent and producer agreements, developing a screen play, financing, and digital distribution. The book was a tremendous asset to me when I had to help an independent filmmaker comply with complicated federal securities laws in order to raise $200,000. Highly recommended.

jeffbrownlegal@gmail.com

It was a book with that gave you a good background on how film production works from a legal perspective. So you should read it if that is your concern. The authors are lawyers, not producers.

This book is a serious but very readable approach to educating filmmakers on the maze of legal hoops that must be jumped through in order to create a film. Indispensable resource to have.

The book looks helpful at first glance but we'll see what happens when the semester gets rolling and it matters. I usually find that buying these books is an inevitable trap I fall into with disappointing results. But, in all fairness I haven't given this book much of a shot yet. Amazon is excellent - obviously.

A must read for every serious law student and attorney - even if you are an experienced brief writer, this easy to understand book, filled withe clear examples forces you to think and improve your persuasive writing.

This book was okay with a few tips for law students writing papers, but save your money. This was not as helpful as I had hoped.

I've read a lot of books on writing, and all of the common books about legal writing, and this is the best of the bunch. If I had to recommend a single book about writing to anyone, lawyer or not, I would recommend this one. It is expensive but worth every penny. Throw away your Strunk and White!

I am currently a law student, this book provides some insightful ideas and is useful because it doesn't require an hour of reading to pick out helpful relevant tips. All the 100 tips are outlined in the front and back cover so you can skim for something specific and go to it and read it.

The author of this book is highly respected and provides many CLE classes, I recommend this book to anyone looking for ways to improve their brief writing.

i really liked this book. the people in it "came" alive for me.

it was all the important thing a book should have, danger, romance, family, suspense, and plot twists just to keep you guessing. in this book, expect the unexpected.

with three book in the series i found that it is necessary to read them in order (don't do as i do).

pick the up, read them and tell us what you think.

The plot was boring, the dialogue was cheesy, the characters were flat as a board. I've read my share of bad paranormal books but this one takes the cake. Stay away.

This book gets right into the story, doesn't have any whining at all and has a good amount of action. I highly recommend this book.

"Tempting Danger" is an alternate present-day romance, where some people have variety of magical powers. The leaing lady, L--, can sense magic in anything she touches. A police detective, she is brought in to investigate a rather icky murder case. The obvious suspect is R--, a handsome werewolf to whom L-- is immediately drawn.

This is a fast paced, fun novel with surprises and passion. R-- is masculine enough to engage your sympathy; L-- is strong without slipping into radical feminism. Background details draw you in nicely, like L--'s chinese heritage. Other details (like the nearly missing "world description") are left extremely vague, which is slightly annoying yet typically can be overlooked. My biggest problem with this novel is that the opening scene has a really yucky and explicit description of the murder victim. This may offend sensitive readers.

Overall, a fun & fast read, a pleasant story for a lazy afternoon.

Lilly Yu is a moral-fibered cop in the San Diego PD. She's no-nonsense and can handle the tough world of magical beings and human criminals. And she's also a sensitive, a human with the rare ability to sense magic by touching beings or objects...

Welcome, to the world where werewolves to gnomes, witches to banshees aren't just behind the scenes and 'hidden', but part of history and reality itself.

So when Lilly is put in charge of a grisly human murder, supposedly done by a werewolf, she's a bit more than alarmed when the main suspect, Rule Turner, a prince of a werewolf clan, is not only off her paranormal scanner but seems to have a powerful pull she can't bat away. Not that she isn't trying.

As evil machinations evolve and more killings occur, Lilly is forced to team with Rule himself, the FBI's Magical Creatures Division, and...her grandmother. Trying to figure it all out isn't easy. Especially when a strong-willed cop, unable to fight something more powerful than magic, just got saddled with her soulmate, Rule.

Wilks effortlessly combined practically every paranormal creature available, but delves only into creatures necessary for plot. There was little action, the focus on characterizations and (mediocre) plotting.

Discovery of this world is organic. So you learn as you read, mostly through the dialogue but even that doesn't clear any confusion, but adds more. Most of it is answered, eventually, but... well, this method is clever but tricky, which was usually confusing and frustrating at times. But, if Wilks brings it up, take note.

The romance element is a subtle twist, though unsatisfying, coming off slightly passionless and flat. It's about personalities and will rather than sexual dueling, though snappy dialogue abound. Wilks seems hesitant to `go there', so the romance is somewhat stilted, almost unexciting. To further frustrate, the emotional and psychological rendering was weak and she kept the main characters at a slight distance, untouchable and robotic.

However, this IS only Book 1, with a creative and interesting world with a well-developed female lead. Be patient, give it a chance and it might get its claws into you too. The promise of something more and greater to come is definitely there. In which case, I'm about to be tugged away to Book 2.