Lawlemmas: In Search of Principled Choices in Law, Justice, and Life

"Lawlemma," a word not found in the dictionary, represents a union of "law" and "lemma." Law requires no explanation, but the term "lemma" is more obscure. It has a dual meaning: one (as in "dilemma") is a premise or proposition used in structuring an argument; the other is a special leaf surrounding the delicate flower of a grass plant. This book offers a series of interrelated narrative essays that rely on fictional characters to confront readers with challenging issues of law and justice, issues that demand careful analysis and lend themselves to elegant, although disputable, resolution. It is intended especially for classes in which students explore the fundamental principles and value choices that are reflected in rules of law and their application, particularly criminal law, criminal procedure, and select constitutional issues including free speech and euthanasia. The lively essays feature a college professor and his students as they interact and encounter several vexing "lawlemmas" both inside and outside of the classroom. The volume promises to inspire reflection and evoke discussion while introducing students to issues and principles at the heart of law and justice. "The book Lawlemmas uses the play within a play literary device or class debate within class debate to engender active participation....Although the approach to Lawlemmas is pedagogical, to stimulate student debate by reading these lively opinions, all readers of this volume will benefit from the legal and ethical debates on ethical legal dilemmas." -- Leona Jochnowitz, Criminal Law Bulletin 53 NO 6