Legal Reasoning
By: John Hynes Farrar
About This Book
This book takes a fresh approach to first year introduction to law courses. It is a new Australian work based partly on the author's earlier successful United Kingdom book, Introduction to Legal Method (co-authored with Tony Dugdale) and concentrates on legal reasoning and legal method for first year law students and business students. The book is set in the context of a broad social view of the legal system and emphasises the legal process in a sometimes critical fashion. Referring to both Australian and New Zealand law and the contrasts between them, this book focuses on how lawyers think and reason. It also covers how legal reasoning claims to be distinctive, while following practical reasoning techniques with policy and value elements. Written succinctly and in plain English, the engaging subject matter covers indigenous people's customs and rights, fallacies in reasoning, international influences and human rights. It also includes a discussion of the impact of the information revolution on Law and lawyers and whether this affects the lawyer's role and status. Authored by the highly respected Dr John Farrar, and based on his teaching experience in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, this book provides a rigorous introduction to law that will put the student in a solid position to tackle future subjects.
AI Overview
The book "Legal Reasoning" by John Hynes Farrar is a comprehensive textbook that focuses on the principles and methods of legal reasoning. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes
- Legal Method: The book delves into the fundamental methods and techniques used in legal reasoning, providing students with a solid foundation in understanding how to analyze and apply legal principles.
- Analytical Skills: It emphasizes the development of analytical skills necessary for legal professionals to interpret and apply the law effectively.
- Critical Thinking: The text encourages critical thinking by guiding readers through various legal scenarios and case studies, helping them to evaluate evidence and arguments.
- Case Law Analysis: It includes detailed analysis of case law, demonstrating how legal reasoning is applied in real-world judicial decisions.
Plot Summary
Given that "Legal Reasoning" is a textbook, it does not have a narrative plot in the classical sense. Instead, it is structured around chapters that cover various aspects of legal reasoning, including:
- Introduction to Legal Method: An overview of the basic principles and techniques of legal reasoning.
- Analyzing Legal Problems: Techniques for breaking down complex legal issues into manageable parts.
- Evaluating Evidence: Methods for assessing the reliability and relevance of evidence.
- Applying Legal Principles: Practical examples of how to apply legal rules to specific scenarios.
- Case Studies: Detailed examinations of real-world cases to illustrate the application of legal reasoning.
Critical Reception
While specific reviews are not readily available in the provided sources, the book has been well-received in academic circles for its clear and structured approach to teaching legal reasoning. It is widely used in law schools and is considered a foundational text for students of law.
Publication Details
- Author: John Hynes Farrar
- Publisher: Lawbook Company
- Publication Year: 2009
- ISBN-13: 978-0-455-22717-7
- Pages: 340 pages
Availability
The book is available for purchase from various online retailers, including StudentVIP and Get Textbooks. It is also listed on academic repositories like the University of the Sunshine Coast's Research Repository.