Book excerpt: The practice of law rests heavily on the incisive, pithy, and occasionally witty language of the best technical writing, and law- related themes are often found at the core of works of literature, politics, and other fields. Previous compilations of legal quotations have been limited, with significant gaps; many quoting rarely from American sources. The Oxford Dictionary of American Legal Quotations is the most scholarly and most complete legal quotation reference ever published. It includes a comprehensive collection of the most famous passages of American judges and legal commentators. This world also contains the wittiest sayings from literature, humor, motion pictures, and even song lyrics relating to American law. Over 3,000 entries are presented in a subject arrangement. Each quote has been verified from the original sources. Includes an author index and a key word index. An indispensable resource for anyone interested in the American legal system or in the vital legacy of the American constitution.