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Introduction to Business Law, 8th Edition

Jeffrey F. Beatty, Susan S. Samuelson, Patricia Sanchez Abril

Copyright 2027
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Introduction to Business Law 8th Edition by Jeffrey F. Beatty/Susan S. Samuelson/Patricia Sanchez Abril

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Features
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Overview

Recognized for its reader-friendly presentation, current examples and engaging stories, Beatty/Samuelson/Abril's "Introduction to Business Law," 8th Edition, introduces students to principles of business law. The authors cover topics of interest to students such as cryptocurrency, social media influencers and the gig economy. Because the authors practiced law, they can clearly explain both theory and how legal concepts actually work in everyday business practice (e.g. the difference between the theory of corporate governance and its reality). Respected scholars, the authors apply their understanding of legal and business practices to predict and address emerging legal trends and issues.

Meet the Authors

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Jeffrey F. Beatty

Jeffrey F. Beatty earned his B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and J.D. from Boston University. He practiced law at Greater Boston Legal Services, where he represented clients in poverty. Professor Beatty earned The Metcalf Cup and Prize, Boston University’s highest teaching award. In addition to his legal research and writings, Professor Beatty wrote both plays and television scripts that were performed in Boston, London and Amsterdam.

Susan S. Samuelson

Susan S. Samuelson earned her A.B. and J.D. from Harvard University. She practiced corporate law with Choate, Hall and Stewart. Professor Samuelson earned the Broderick Prize for excellence in teaching at the Questrom School. A highly respected legal professional, she has written numerous articles on legal issues for scholarly and popular journals, including American Business Law Journal, Ohio State Law Journal, Boston University Law Review, Harvard Journal on Legislation, National Law Journal, Sloan Management Review, Inc. Magazine and Boston Magazine.

Patricia Sanchez Abril

Patricia Sánchez Abril is Interim Dean of the University of Miami Law School and Professor of Business Law at the University of Miami Herbert Business School. After graduating from Duke University and Harvard Law School, she practiced international corporate law and served in a business and legal affairs capacity at a major entertainment company. Professor Abril’s research has appeared in the American Business Law Journal, Harvard Journal of Law & Technology, Florida Law Review, University of North Carolina Law Review, Wake Forest Law Review, Yale Journal of Law and Technology and Columbia Business Law Journal, among other journals. Professor Abril has won multiple awards for teaching business law, including the University of Miami Faculty Senate Outstanding Teaching Award.

Features

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"You Be the Judge" cases provide only the facts and conflicting appellate arguments. Because students do not know the result, class discussions are more complex and lively.
"Exam Strategy" feature helps students prepare for exams by presenting them with a typical exam question in the chapter and again in the end-of-chapter review.
End-of-chapter sections include 25 or more practice problems such as multiple-choice questions, additional exam strategy questions, case questions and discussion questions.
Ethical questions threaded throughout the text prompt students to understand the important relationship between today's law and ethics.
Relevant and meaningful content illustrates the importance of the law, so students emerge better prepared to negotiate contracts, join the workforce and start companies.
Engaging content and reader-friendly presentation filled with stories encourages meaningful discussion and retention.

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Unit I: THE LEGAL ENVIRONMENT.
1. Introduction to Law.
2. Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility.
3. International Law.
4. Constitutional, Statutory, Administrative, and Common Law.
5. Dispute Resolution.
6. Crime.
Unit II: TORTS.
7. Intentional Torts and Business Torts.
8. Negligence, Strict Liability, and Product Liability.
9. Privacy and Internet Law.
Unit III: CONTRACTS AND THE UCC.
10. Forming a Contract.
11. Requirements for a Contract.
12. Performance of a Contract.
13. Practical Contracts.
14. Sales.
15. Negotiable Instruments.
16. Secured Transactions.
Unit IV: AGENCY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW.
17. Agency.
18. Employment and Labor Law.
19. Employment Discrimination.
Unit V: THE LIFECYCLE OF A BUSINESS.
20. Starting a Business: LLCs and Other Options.
21. Corporations.
22. Bankruptcy.
Unit VI: GOVERNMENT REGULATION.
23. Securities and Antitrust.
24. Consumer Protection.
25. Environmental Law.
26. Accountants’ Liability.
Unit VII: PROPERTY.
27. Intellectual Property.
28. Real Property and Landlord–Tenant Law.
29. Personal Property and Bailment.
30. Estate Planning.
31. Insurance.
Appendix A: The Constitution of the U.S.
Appendix B: The Uniform Commercial Code.