Waddams

Whether Waddams is being hyperbolic or simply cynical is hard to gauge.

Waddams v. Hutchinson : Law is Cool 2009

Waddams is upfront about who he is writing for, which are those considering or undertaking the study of law but who are as yet unacquainted with it.

Waddams v. Hutchinson : Law is Cool 2009

What does become apparent, however, is that certain aspects of the law school experience, as discussed by Waddams and Hutchinson, have become dated.

Waddams v. Hutchinson : Law is Cool 2009

Waddams closes with some revealing commentary on the relationship between legal practitioners and the public.

Waddams v. Hutchinson : Law is Cool 2009

The first is by Stephen Waddams, Introduction to the Study of Law, 6th ed.

Waddams v. Hutchinson : Law is Cool 2009

Here, Waddams muses that only in business settings are lawyers really appreciated because in almost any other setting they are seen as, at best a necessary evil, and at worst a parasite.

Waddams v. Hutchinson : Law is Cool 2009

That said, the examples Waddams does provide are, almost without fail, of a civil nature.

Waddams v. Hutchinson : Law is Cool 2009

In short, both are extremely useful, but if you are pressed for time (or cash) pick Waddams over Hutchinson for your summer reading and then pick up Hutchinson sometime during first term when his more practical tips will be better appreciated.

Waddams v. Hutchinson : Law is Cool 2009

Waddams deals with the distinction between public and private law as well as the various meanings and uses of civil and common law and he even discusses the basics of legal reasoning.

Waddams v. Hutchinson : Law is Cool 2009

Note to John Swan: while typing the foregoing, a copy of your book, along with Waddams and Fridman, were each open on my desk while I am in the midst of considering a contract issue on severability.

From the Trenches — Slaw 2007