Renowned legal historian Lawrence Friedman presents an accessible and authoritative history of American law from the colonial era to the present day. This fully revised fourth edition incorporates the latest research to bring this classic work into the twenty-first century. In addition to looking closely at timely issues like race relations, the book covers the changing configurations of commercial law, criminal law, family law, and the law of property. Friedman furthermore interrogates the vicissitudes of the legal profession and legal education. The underlying theory of this eminently readable book is that the law is the product of society. In this way, we can view the history of the legal system through a sociological prism as it has evolved over the years.

A History of American Law presents a general history of the legal system of the United States, beginning in the colonial period and continuing up to the present day. The book covers the changing configurations of commercial law, criminal law, family law, and the law of property. Furthermore, it lays great stress on race relations and looks closely at the legal profession and legal education. The underlying theory of this eminently accessible book is that the law is the product of society.