Stephen C. Yeazell

Some describe civil litigation as little more than a drag on the economy; Others hail it as the solution to most of the country's problems. Stephen C. Yeazell argues that both positions are wrong. Deeply embedded in our political and economic systems, civil litigation is both a system for resolving disputes and a successful business model, a fact that both its opponents and its fans do their best to conceal. Lawsuits in a Market Economy explains how contemporary civil litigation in the United States works and how it has changed over the past century. The book corrects common misconceptions--some of which have proved remarkably durable even in the face of contrary evidence--and explores how our constitutional structure, an evolving economy, and developments in procedural rules and litigation financing systems have moved us from expecting that lawsuits end in trial and judgments to expecting that they will end in settlements. Yeazell argues that today's system has in some ways overcome--albeit inconsistently--disparities between the rich and poor in access to civil justice. Once upon a time, might regularly triumphed over right. That is slightly less likely today--even though we continue to witness enormous disparities in wealth and power. The book concludes with an evaluation of recent changes and their possible consequences.

Buy a new version of this textbook and receive access to the Connected eBook with Study Center on Casebook Connect, including lifetime access to the online ebook with highlight, annotation, and search capabilities. Access also includes practice questions, an outline tool, and other helpful resources. Connected eBooks provide what you need most to be successful in your law school classes. Civil Procedure, 11th edition by Yeazell, Schwartz, and Carroll provides students with a working knowledge of the procedural system. In Civil Procedure, the authors employ a pedagogical style that offers flexible organization at a manageable length. The book introduces students to the procedural system and provides them with techniques of statutory analysis. The included cases are factually interesting and do not involve substantive matters beyond the experience of first-year students. The problems following the cases present real-life issues. Finally, the book incorporates a number of dissenting opinions to dispel the notion that procedural disputes always present clear-cut issues. New to the Eleventh Edition: Addition of co-author Professor Maureen Carroll of Michigan Law School, an expert in civil procedure, class actions, and civil rights litigation, and an award-winning teacher. Updated personal jurisdiction chapter with streamlined opinion excerpts and additional cases reflecting the Supreme Court's most recent decisions and cutting-edge jurisdictional questions. Increased attention to settlement dynamics and pressures throughout the book. Addition of contemporary cases that illuminate the impacts of civil procedure on issues of race, gender, and civil rights. Updated statistics and information about civil litigation in the United States, including the high proportion of unrepresented litigants. Professors and students will benefit from: Teachable, well-structured casebook featuring a clear organization, concisely edited cases chosen to be readily accessible to first-year students, textual notes introducing each section that highlight connections between material, and practical problems Manageable length which allows the class to get through this complex course material in limited hours Flexible organization, adaptable to a variety of teaching approaches Clear, straightforward writing style, making the material accessible to students without oversimplifying Effective overview of the procedural system, which provides students with a working knowledge of the system and of techniques for statutory analysis Assessment questions and answers at the end of each chapter, to help students test their comprehension of the material

Some describe civil litigation as little more than a drag on the economy. Others hail it as the solution to most of the country's problems. Stephen C. Yeazell argues that both positions are wrong. Deeply embedded in our political and economic systems, civil litigation is both a system for resolving disputes and a successful business model, a fact that both its opponents and its fans do their best to conceal. Lawsuits in a Market Economy explains how contemporary civil litigation in the United States works and how it has changed over the past century. The book corrects common misconceptions--some of which have proved remarkably durable even in the face of contrary evidence--and explores how our constitutional structure, an evolving economy, and developments in procedural rules and litigation financing systems have moved us from expecting that lawsuits end in trial and judgments to expecting that they will end in settlements. Yeazell argues that today's system has in some ways overcome--albeit inconsistently--disparities between the rich and poor in access to civil justice. Once upon a time, might regularly triumphed over right. That is slightly less likely today--even though we continue to witness enormous disparities in wealth and power. The book concludes with an evaluation of recent changes and their possible consequences.