Advanced Case Law Methods ― A Practical Guide

This book, by the author of The American Common Law Method, is an excellent source of continuing judicial education for judges at all levels as well as an accessible teaching tool for the classroom. An opening section explains the basic principles of common law methods for creating and applying case law. Advanced Case Law Method then examines the methods used by appellate courts in four states to create case lines on distinct topics. After each case in each line, the author poses several questions concerning the court's performance as a creator and user of case law. For instance, one chapter traces the "at will" employment doctrine as developed by the New York Court of Appeals and subsequent efforts to create public policy exceptions to the rule. Another looks at the struggle of the appellate courts of Pennsylvania to limit the "intentional infliction of emotional distress" tort doctrine. The New Hampshire group of cases goes back to the mid-18th century and examines railroad liability issues, culminating in the 21st century with duties imposed on internet information providers when the buyer of information causes harm to the seller. The Texas cases treat the "spoliation" doctrine which penalizes a party responsible for causing key evidence to disappear. Following the questions raised by the examined cases, Advanced Case Law Methods includes the suggested responses. The text is then supplemented by a section intended to make the questions and suggested responses a springboard for discussion at seminars, conferences and even classrooms. Judges, therefore, won't have to worry about "doing homework" and getting wrong answers.

Richard Cappalli is Professor of Law at Temple University School of Law.