The 5 Best Street Law Textbooks

This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in February of 2019. Any high school or college student hoping to get a firm grasp on how the legal system actually works in practice would do well to investigate one of the street law textbooks listed here. Everything from criminal justice to civil rights is covered in their pages, giving readers an insight into how legal theory translates directly into real-world applications. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in February of 2019. Any high school or college student hoping to get a firm grasp on how the legal system actually works in practice would do well to investigate one of the street law textbooks listed here. Everything from criminal justice to civil rights is covered in their pages, giving readers an insight into how legal theory translates directly into real-world applications. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Street Law: Understanding Law and Legal Issues

Street Law: Understanding Law and Legal Issues (appx. $163) not only gives students a broad overview of the court system, but also prepares them for lives as upstanding citizens. It's a smart choice for youngsters faced with the prospect of living on their own for the first time.

Focuses on consumer and family law
Explores parental rights
Encourages community participation

2. Street Law: A Course in Practical Law

If you want a quick primer on the basics of the American judiciary, it's hard to beat Street Law: A Course in Practical Law (around $55). It refuses to delve too deeply into any one subject and avoids controversial issues, but it's a good choice for rapidly getting the broad strokes.

Ideal for international students
Explores ethical considerations
Includes brief case studies

3. Criminal Procedure: From the Courtroom to the Street

For a soup to nuts look at the legal system, check out Criminal Procedure: From the Courtroom to the Street (around $51). It starts by examining the theoretical and constitutional underpinnings of legislation, then turns its focus to the effect those laws have on everyday citizens.

Teaches evidence gathering skills
Clear and relatable prose
Includes role-playing scenarios

4. Law 101

Regardless of whether you're considering taking the bar exam or just want to know your rights, Law 101 (around $20) can give you a clear understanding of the legal system, especially in light of current events such as the Black Lives Matter movement.

Looks at noteworthy cases
Teaches relevant vocabulary terms
Helpful question-and-answer section

5. Contemporary Criminal Law

Contemporary Criminal Law (about $93) attempts to give learners a first-hand look at the way our legal system works by analyzing real-life court cases. Each example is intended to spur discussion, prompting students to consider their own views and feelings on the statutes of the land.

Breaks down elements of crime
Good overview of constitutional law
Descriptions get a little graphic

Last updated by Quincy Miller

After getting his bachelor’s from the University of Texas, Quincy Miller moved out to Los Angeles, where he soon found work as a copywriter and researcher, specializing in health and wellness topics for a major online media brand. Quincy is also knowledgeable about home improvement, as he’s had extensive experience with everything from insulation to power tools to emergency room trips, sometimes in that order. Sharing a home with three dogs and a couple of cats has forced Quincy to learn as much as he can about pet supplies, animal nutrition and, most importantly, the best ways to tackle the mountains of fur that accumulate in every corner of your home.

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