Arranged in five chapters, this supplementary resource for junior high students contains information on the history, practical applications, and social consequences of the law. In chapter 1, students are introduced to the origin of laws through examination of a fable, the relationship between government and laws, types of laws, and law enforcement. Chapter 2 explores the relationship between legislation and social change. The following aspects of the court system are described in chapter 3: appellate courts, superior courts, juries, court officials, juvenile justice, various types of abused or problem children, the rights of juveniles, and juvenile corrections facilities. Chapter 4 outlines various types of crime and considers sentencing procedures and prison facilities. The final chapter familiarizes students with their rights as employees, students, property owners, married couples, or expectant parents. The responsibilities of decisionmaking are also discussed. Illustrated with photos and pen-and-ink drawings, each chapter contains an introduction, summary, and student exercise section. Exercises are divided into vocabulary, discussion questions, activities, and suggestions for further study. Appendices contain footnotes, a bibliography, a glossary, and a list of court cases. (LP)