The Ohio State Bar Association recently published a free legal handbook for consumers and journalists that aims to convey fundamental legal principles to the layperson.

The Ohio State Bar Association recently published a free legal handbook for consumers and journalists that aims to convey fundamental legal principles to the layperson.

While the Ohio State Bar Association’s (OSBA) new legal handbook for consumers and journalists is not intended to be a definitive work, the 14th edition of “The Law & You” provides laypersons with an overview of the fundamentals of law, particularly as they apply in Ohio.

The 349-page handbook, which was funded by the Ohio State Bar Foundation, is divided into 15 chapters that include summaries as well as web links. According to the book’s introduction, the basic subjects covered are the sources of law, organization and operation of the courts, legal procedure, criminal law, torts, contracts, business transactions and corporations, property law, probate law, family law, workplace law, school law, online law and media law. In addition, a glossary explains many technical terms the layperson is likely to encounter.

Journalists may find the publication particularly useful, since it now includes tips and resources for covering various areas of the law as well as a new four-section chapter on media law, replacing the “Legal Handbook for Ohio Journalists.”

“Including a media law chapter within the larger ‘Law & You’text provides journalists with a more comprehensive, up-to-date resource,” said Debby Cooper, OSBA public information manager and the handbook’s editor.

To access the publication, click this link: https://www.ohiobar.org/General%20Resources/LawandYou/TLAY_Complete.pdf.

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