Explains the meaning of a writ of habeas corpus, provides a brief history of its use in England and the United States, and clarifies how the writ is used as an instrument which compels government to adhere to basic constitutional and legal principles rather than exercise power in an arbitrary and self-serving manner. (JDH)

Reviews the earliest roots of the legal values and principles embodied in the United States Constitution, much of which may be traced to the Magna Carta (1215) and other precedents set by English law. (JDH)

Maintains that "New York Times v. Sullivan" (1964) was the greatest political libel case ever decided by the Supreme Court. Asserts that it is a monument to the idea that open political discourse is the best guarantee of democratic self-governance. (CFR)

Designed to provide students and adults with a learning experience related to the jury system, this game focuses on the jury selection process. In doing so, the game examines an important element of a fair trial--the right of the accused to be judged by an impartial jury. The game is designed for four class periods and can be used with a class of…

A bilingual Cambodian-English supplement designed for high school courses in American government is intended to interpret the story of government's operation in a clear and interesting way and provide a vocabulary of frequently-used words and phrases. The lessons, in both English and Cambodian, cover the following topics : American government; the…

Outlines the dramatic changes in the laws covering drug activity over the last 20 years. Federal sentencing guidelines now mandate much longer prison terms depending on the drug and type of activity. Simultaneously, courts have expanded legal definitions and approaches involving prosecution. Discusses the controversy over these developments. (MJP)

Dedicated to celebrating the importance of law in U.S. life, the 19 stories collected in this volume are about legislators who enact the law, judges who interpret it, and lawyers who practice it. The stories describe the contributions to the United States through the law of distinguished individuals, emphasizing the devotion of many lawyers to…