The legal environment of business : a critical thinking approach

__For courses in business law and the legal environment of business__ This comprehensive textbook not only helps students develop a thorough understanding of the legal environment of business, but also enhances their ability to engage in critical thinking and ethical analysis, and ultimately survive in an increasingly competitive global environment. The following features of this text are designed to ensure that the authors’ goal–to develop critically thinking students who understand the important concepts of business law and the legal environment of business–is attained. **Teaching and Learning Experience**This text will provide a better teaching and learning experience–for you and your students. It provides: * **Critical thinking skills** that are developed through a superior, comprehensive, one-of-a-kind approach. * **An emphasis on the global environment** that helps prepare students for working in countries outside of the United States, or for U.S. companies with dealings in foreign companies or countries. * **Additional features that distinguish this text’s teaching and learning advantages**, including links connecting the law to other disciplines, a balanced mix of classic and current cases, For Future Reading lists, Applying the Law to the Facts features and more. Cover Title Copyright Brief Contents Contents PREFACE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ABOUT THE AUTHORS PART ONE What is the Legal Environment of Business? 1 Fundamentals of Critical Thinking and Reasoning The Importance of Critical Thinking A Critical Thinking Model United States of America v. Martha Stewart and Peter Bacanovic The Critical Thinking Steps Facts Issue Reasons and Conclusion Rules of Law Ambiguity Ethical Norms Analogies Missing Information Using Critical Thinking to Make Legal Reasoning Come Alive Legal Reasoning Applying the Critical Thinking Approach Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 2 What is the Legal Environment of Business? Definition of the Legal Environment of Business Definition of Law and Jurisprudence Natural Law School Positivist School Sociological School American Realist School Critical Legal Studies School Feminist School Law and Economics School Sources of Law The Legislature as a Source of Statutory Law The Judicial Branch as a Source of Case Law The Executive Branch as a Source of Law Administrative Agencies as a Source of Law Classifications of Law Criminal Law and Civil Law Public and Private Law Substantive and Procedural Law Cyberlaw Global Dimensions of the Legal Environment of Business Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 3 Legal Frameworks in the U.S. Jurisdiction Original Versus Appellate Jurisdiction Jurisdiction Over Persons and Property World-Wide Volkswagen Corp. v. Woodson, District Judge of Cook County Subject Matter Jurisdiction Hertz Corporation v. Friend Venue The Structure of the Court System The Federal Court System State Court Systems The Actors in the Legal System and their Relationship to the Business Community The Attorney The Jury The Adversary Process Criticisms of the Adversary System Steps in Civil Litigation and the Role of Businesspersons The Pretrial Stage The Trial J.E.B. v. Alabama, ex rel. T.B. Appellate Procedure Class Actions Global Dimensions of the American Legal System Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 4 Settling Disputes Without Litigation Negotiation and Settlement Mediation Selection of a Mediator Common Uses of Mediation Advantages of Mediation Criticisms of Mediation Arbitration Hall Street Associates, L.L.C. v. Mattel, Inc. Methods of Securing Arbitration Ignazio v. Clear Channel Broadcasting, Inc. et al. AT&T Mobility LLC v. Concepcion et ux Selection of an Arbitrator Common Uses of Arbitration Problems with Arbitration Minitrials Early Neutral Case Evaluation Private Trials Summary Jury Trials Court-Annexed Alternative Dispute Resolution Use of Court-Annexed ADR in the State and Federal Systems Differences Between Court-Annexed and Voluntary ADR The Future of Alternative Dispute Resolution Global Dimensions of Alternative Dispute Resolution Mitsubishi Motors Corp. v. Soler Chrysler-Plymouth Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 5 The Constitution for Business Managers The Constitution Federalism Supremacy Clause Federal Preemption Separation of Powers William Jefferson Clinton v. Paula Corbin Jones The Impact of the Commerce Clause on Business The Commerce Clause as a Source of Federal Authority Gonzales v. Raich The Commerce Clause as a Restriction on State Authority Nat’l Ass’n of Optometrists & Opticians v. Brown The Taxing and Spending Powers of the Federal Government Taxation of the Internet? The Impact of the Amendments on Business The First Amendment Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. v. Public Service Commission of New York The Fourth Amendment Florida v. Jardines The Fifth Amendment D.A.B.E., Inc. v. City of Toledo The Fourteenth Amendment Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 6 Defining White-Collar Crime Crime and Criminal Procedure Crime Criminal Procedure Distinguishing Features of White-Collar Crime The Corporation as a Criminal Arguments in Support of Corporate Liability Arguments in Opposition to Corporate Liability Imposition of Liability on Corporate Executives United States v. Park Imposition of Liability on Lower-Level Corporate Criminals Factors Encouraging the Commission of White-Collar Crime Sentencing of White-Collar Criminals Common White-Collar Crimes Bribery Violations of Federal Regulations Criminal Fraud United States v. Gray Larceny Embezzlement Computer Crimes Prevention of White-Collar Crime Federal Laws Used in the Fight Against White-Collar Crime The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) Boyle v. U.S. United States Supreme Court False Claims Act Sarbanes-Oxley Act Whistleblower Protection Act State Laws Used in the Fight Against White-Collar Crime Global Dimensions of White-Collar Crime Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 7 Business Ethics and Social Responsibility Definition of Business Ethics and Social Responsibility Business Ethics The Social Responsibility of Business In re Exxon Valdez Theories of Ethical Thought Consequential Theories Deontological Theories Humanist Theories Codes of Ethics Individual Codes of Ethics Corporate Codes of Ethics Industry Codes of Ethics Professional Codes of Ethics Schools of Social Responsibility Bates v. State Bar of Arizona Profit-Oriented School Managerial School Institutional School Cooper Industries v. Leatherman Tool Group, Inc. Professional Obligation School Regulation School Fog Cutter Capital Group v. Securities and Exchange Commission Global Dimensions of Ethics and Social Responsibility Code of Conduct for Transnational Corporations Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 8 The International Legal Business Environment Dimensions of the International Environment of Business Political Dimensions Economic Dimensions Cultural Dimensions Corruption and Trade United States v. Kay Legal Dimensions Selected National Legal Systems Crosby v. National Foreign Trade Council Methods of Engaging in International Business Trade International Licensing and Franchising Foreign Direct Investment In re Union Carbide Corp. Gas Plant Disaster v. Union Carbide Corp. Risks of Engaging in International Business Expropriation of Private Property Sovereign Immunity Doctrine Keller v. Central Bank of Nigeria Act-of-State Doctrine Republic of the Philippines v. Ferdinand E. Marcos Export and Import Controls Legal and Economic Integration as a Means of Encouraging International Business Activity The World Trade Organization The European Union North American Free Trade Agreement Global Dispute Resolution Arbitration Litigation Globalization: Hurts or Helps Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading PART TWO Private Law 9 Contract and Sales Law—I Definition, Sources, and Classifications of Contract Law Definition Sources of Contract Law Classifications of Contracts Fox v. Mountain West Electric Audito v. City of Providence Elements of a Legal Contract Legal Offer Beer v. Chase Legal Acceptance The Private Movie Company, Inc. v. Pamela Lee Anderson et al. Consideration Genuine Assent Stambovsky v. Ackley and Ellis Realty Competent Parties Legal Object Moore v. Midwest Distribution, Inc. Contracts That Must Be in Writing Contracts for the Sale of an Interest in Land Contracts to Pay the Debts of Another Contracts not Performable in One Year Sale of Goods of $500 or More Iacono v. Lyons Nonbusiness Contracts Parol Evidence Rule Third-Party Beneficiary Contracts and Assignment of Rights Types of Third-Party Beneficiary Contracts Assignment of Rights Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 10 Contract and Sales Law—II Methods of Discharging a Contract Discharge by Performance Plante v. Jacobs Discharge by Mutual Agreement Discharge by Conditions Precedent and Subsequent Architectural Systems, Inc. v. Gilbane Building Co. Discharge by Impossibility of Performance Discharge by Commercial Impracticability Contracts with the Government and the Sovereign Acts Doctrine Facto v. Pantagis Remedies for a Breach of Contract Monetary Damages (“Legal” Remedies) Arrowhead School District No. 75, Park County, Montana v. James A. Klyap, Jr. Equitable Remedies Remedies for Breach of a Sales Contract (Goods) Fitl v. Strek E-Contracts E-Signatures The Uniform Computer Information Transaction Act Global Dimensions of Contract and Sales Law Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 11 Tort Law The Goals of Tort Law Damages Available in Tort Cases Compensatory Damages Nominal Damages Punitive Damages Young v. Becker & Poliakoff Classifications of Torts Intentional Torts Intentional Torts Against Persons Nemet Chevrolet, Ltd. v. Consumeraffairs.com, Inc. Ellen Johnston v. One America Productions, Inc. Intentional Torts Against Property Intentional Torts Against Economic Interests Negligent Torts Elements of Negligence Defenses to Negligence Venkateswarlu Thota, and North Texas Cardiology Center, v. Margaret Young Strict Liability Torts Global Dimensions of Tort Law Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 12 Modern Product Liability Law Theories of Recovery in Product Liability Cases Negligence Donna S. Riegel v. Medtronic, Inc. Strict Liability in Contract for Breach of Warranty Williams v. Braum Ice Cream Store, Inc. Strict Liability in Tort Welge v. Planters Lifesavers Co. Beard v. Johnson & Johnson, Inc. Liability to Bystanders Market Share Liability Service Liability Accountants’ Liability Global Dimensions of Product Liability Law Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 13 Real Estate and Property Law Real Property Definition of Real Property Extent of Ownership Interests in Real Property Fee Simple Absolute Conditional Estate Life Estate Future Interest Leasehold Estates Easements License Co-Ownership Condominiums and Cooperatives Burton Stevens v. Elk Run Homeowners’ Association, Inc. Voluntary Transfer of Real Property Execution Delivery Acceptance Recording Involuntary Transfer of Real Property Adverse Possession Condemnation Susette Kelo et al., Petitioners, v. City of New London, Connecticut, et al. Restrictions on Land Use Restrictive Covenants Zoning Emine Bayram v. City of Binghamton and City of Binghamton Zoning Board of Appeals Other Statutory Restrictions on Land Use Personal Property Voluntary Transfer of Personal Property Involuntary Transfers of Personal Property Bailments Global Dimensions of Property Law Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 14 Intellectual Property Rights Introduction to Intellectual Property Trademarks Toys “R” Us, Inc., v. Canarsie Kiddie Shop, Inc. Trade Dress Federal Trademark Dilution Act of 1995 Victor Moseley and Kathy Moseley et al., dba Victor’s Little Secret v. V Secret Catalogue, Inc. et al. Trade Secrets Patents Bilski v. Kappos Copyrights Fair Use Doctrine Zomba Enterprises, Inc.; Zomba Songs, Inc., Plaintiffs-Appellees v. Panorama Records, Inc., Defendant-Appellant Copyrights in the Digital Age RealNetworks, Inc. v. DVD Control Copy Association, Inc., et al. Global Dimensions of Intellectual Property Law Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 15 Agency Relationships Definition and Types of Agency Relationships Definition of Agency Types of Agency Relationships Alberty-Vélez v. Corporación de Puerto Rico Creation of an Agency Relationship Expressed Agency or Agency by Agreement Agency by Implied Authority Penthouse International v. Barnes Agency Through Ratification by Principal Agency by Estoppel or Apparent Authority Motorsport Marketing, Inc. v. Wiedmaier, Inc. Duties of Agents and Principals Principal’s Duties to Agent Agent’s Duties to Principal Cousins v. Realty Ventures, Inc. Gossels v. Fleet National Bank Principal’s and Agent’s Liability to Third Parties Contractual Liability McBride v. Taxman Corp. E-Commerce: Intelligent Agents Liability of Disclosed, Partially Disclosed Principals, and Undisclosed Principals Liability of Undisclosed Principal Tort Liability Tort Liability and Negligence Pennsylvania State Police v. U.S. Criminal Liability Termination of the Principal–Agent Relationship Termination by Agreement Termination by Operation of Law Gaddy v. Douglass Global Dimensions of Agency Law Japan European Union U.S. Agents Abroad Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 16 Company and Partnership Law—I Factors Influencing a Business Manager’s Choice of Organizational Form Some Common Forms of Business Organization in the United States Sole Proprietorships General Partnerships In re KeyTronics Enea v. Superior Court of Monterey County Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Limited Partnerships Specialized Forms of Business Associations Joint Stock Company Syndicate Joint Venture Franchising Global Dimensions of Business Associations Outsourcing Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 17 Company and Partnership Law—II The Corporation Classification of Corporations Closely Held Corporation Publicly Held Corporation Multinational or Transnational Corporation Subchapter S Corporation Robs Corporation Professional Corporation Nonprofit Corporation Creation of Corporations Financing of Corporations Debt Financing Equity Financing Consideration Operation of Corporations The Role of the Shareholders The Role of the Board of Directors In Re Abbott Laboratories Derivative Shareholders Litigation The Role of the Officers and Managers Fiduciary Obligations of Directors, Officers, and Managers Beam v. Stewart Smith v. Van Gorkom Limited Liability Companies The Uniform Limited Liability Act LLC Characteristics Creating a Limited Liability Company Duration of the LLC Financing of the LLC Control Considerations Tax Ramifications Global Dimension of Corporations: A “Big Fat Greek” Bailout II and III Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading PART THREE Public Law 18 Administrative Agencies and Functions Introduction to Administrative Law and Administrative Agencies Administrative Law Administrative Agencies Creation of Administrative Agencies Functions of Administrative Agencies Rulemaking Massachusetts v. EPA Adjudication Fox Television Stations, Inc. v. Federal Communications Commission Administrative Activities Limitations on Administrative Agencies’ Powers Statutory Limitations Institutional Limitations State and Local Administrative Agencies Vonage Holdings Corp. v. Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Global Dimensions of Administrative Agencies Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 19 The Employment Relationship Wage and Hour Laws Unemployment Compensation Cassandra Jenkins v. American Express Financial Corp. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 Worker’s Compensation Laws Coverage Recoverable Benefits The Claims Process Benefits of the Worker’s Compensation System The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 Major Provisions Rachael Schaar, Appellant v. Lehigh Valley Health Services, Inc.; Lehigh Valley Physicians Business Services, Inc. Remedies for Violations of the FMLA The Future of the FMLA The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Administration Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Implementation of the OSH Act Employee Privacy Rights Electronic Monitoring and Communication Brian Pietrylo and Doreen Marino v. Hillstone Restaurant Group Drug Testing Other Testing Global Dimensions of the Employment Relationship Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 20 Laws Governing Labor–Management Relations Structure of the Primary U.S. Labor Legislation and the Mechanisms for Its Enforcement The Wagner Act of 1935 The Taft–Hartley Act of 1947 The Landrum–Griffith Act of 1959 The National Labor Relations Board Labor Organizing Board Rules Unfair Labor Practices by Employers Progressive Electric, Inc. v. National Labor Relations Board Gaetano & Associates, Inc. v. National Labor Relations Board Unfair Labor Practices by Employees Organizing the Appropriate Unit Specialty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center of Mobile and United Steelworkers, District 9, Petitioner. The Collective Bargaining Process Subjects of Bargaining Strikes, Boycotts, and Picketing Strikes Boycotts Picketing Global Dimensions of Labor–Management Relations Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 21 Discrimination at Work The Employment-at-Will Doctrine Constitutional Provisions The Civil Rights Acts of 1866 and 1871 Applicability of the Acts The Equal Pay Act of 1963 Equal Work Defenses Remedies The Civil Rights Act of 1964, as Amended (Title VII), and the Civil Rights Act of 1991 Applicability of the Act Proof in Employment Discrimination Cases Teresa Harris v. Forklift Systems, Inc. Vance v. Ball State University Retaliation Statutory Defenses Desert Palace, Inc., dba Caesar’s Palace Hotel & Casino v. Catharina Costa Protected Classes Enforcement Procedures Remedies Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 Applicability of the Statute Proving Age Discrimination Jones v. National American University Statutory Defenses Enforcement Procedures Remedies Under Adea The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991 Covered Individuals McMillan v. City of New York Enforcement Procedures Remedies Affirmative Action Global Dimensions of Employment Discrimination Legislation Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 22 Environmental Law Alternative Approaches to Environmental Protection Tort Law Boomer et al. v. Atlantic Cement Co. Government Subsidies Approach Emission Charges Approach Marketable Discharge Permits Approach Direct Regulation Approach The Environmental Protection Agency The National Environmental Policy Act of 1970 Threshold Considerations Content of the EIS Brodsky v. United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission Effectiveness of the EIS Process Regulating Water Quality The Federal Water Pollution Control Act The Safe Drinking Water Act Regulating Air Quality Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency The National Ambient Air Quality Standards New Source Review The Acid Rain Control Program Climate Change Regulating Hazardous Waste and Toxic Substances The Resource Conservation and Recovery act Of 1976 The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as Amended by the Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act of 1986 The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1979 The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act of 1972 The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 Business Aspects of Voluntary Pollution Prevention Sustainable Development Global Dimensions of Environmental Regulation The Need for International Cooperation The Transnational Nature of Pollution The Global Commons Primary Responses of the United States Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 23 Rules Governing the Issuance and Trading of Securities Introduction to the Regulation of Securities Summary of Federal Securities Legislation The Securities and Exchange Commission Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 Oversight of Financial Problems by Regulatory Agencies Risk Taking by Large Banks and Nonbanks Executive Compensation Too Big to Fail Credit Rating Agencies Derivatives Consumer Protection Exemptions Regulation of the Regulators by a Court of Law The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Corporate Accountability New Accounting Regulations Criminal Penalties The Securities Act of 1933 Definition of a Security Securities and Exchange Commission v. Edwards Registration of Securities Under the 1933 Act Securities and Transactions Exempt from Registration Under the 1933 Act Resale Restrictions Liability, Remedies, and Defenses Under the 1933 Securities Act The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Registration of Securities Issuers, Brokers, and Dealers Disclosure: Compensation Securities Markets Proxy Solicitations Tender Offers and Takeover Bids Remedies and Defensive Strategies Barbara Schreiber v. Burlington Northern, Inc. Securities Fraud Stoneridge Investment Partners, LLC, et al. v. Scientific-Atlanta Inc., et al. Securities and Exchange Commission v. Texas Gulf Sulphur Co. Liability and Remedies Under the 1934 Exchange Act The Wharf (Holdings) Limited v. United International Holdings, Inc. Short-Swing Profits State Securities Laws E-Commerce, Online Securities Disclosure, and Fraud Regulation Marketplace of Securities E-Commerce and Fraud in the Marketplace Global Dimensions of Rules Governing the Issuance and Trading of Securities Legislation Prohibiting Bribery and Money Laundering Overseas Legislation Governing Foreign Securities Sold in the United States Regulations and Offshore Transactions Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 24 Enforcing Antitrust Policies Introduction to Antitrust Law A Definition of Antitrust Law and Economics: Setting and Enforcing Antitrust Policy Goals of the Antitrust Statutes Enforcement of and Exemptions from the Antitrust Laws Enforcement Exemptions The Sherman Act of 1890 Section 1: Combinations and Restraints of Trade Williamson Oil Co. v. Philip Morris, USA Leegin Creative Leather Products, Inc. v. PSKS, Inc., dba Kay’s Kloset, Kay’s Shoes Continental TV, Inc. v. GTE Sylvania Section 2: Monopolies Newcal Industries, Inc. v. Ikon Office Solutions United States v. Microsoft Corporation The Clayton Act of 1914 Section 2: Price Discrimination Section 3: Tying Arrangements and Exclusive-Dealing Contracts Section 7: Mergers and Acquisitions Section 8: Interlocking Directorates Other Antitrust Statutes Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914 California Dental Association v. Federal Trade Commission Bank Merger Act of 1966 Global Dimensions of Antitrust Statutes Transnational Reach of U.S. Antitrust Legislation Global Dimensions of U.S. Antitrust Laws Enforcement Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading 25 Consumer Protection Practices Debtor–Creditor Relations Rights of and Remedies for Creditors Rights and Remedies for Debtors The Federal Bankruptcy Code and the Incorporation of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 History and Background Bankruptcy Management and Proceedings Chapter 7 In re Savage v. United State Bankruptcy Chapter 13 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 The New Bankruptcy Law – 2011 The Evolution of Consumer Law Economics Federal Regulation of Business Trade Practices and Consumer–Business Relationships The Federal Trade Commission: Functions, Structure, and Enforcement Powers Deceptive and Unfair Advertising Federal Trade Commission v. Verity International, Ltd. Federal Trade Commission v. QT, Inc. Consumer Legislation Federal Laws Regulating Consumer Credit and Business Debt-Collection Practices Truth-in-Lending Act Household Credit Services, Inc. v. Pfenning Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 The Electronic Fund Transfer Act13 A Plastic Society The Fair Credit Reporting Act15 Safeco Insurance Co. v. Burr Identity Theft and Credit Ratings Equal Credit Opportunity Act17 The Fair Credit Billing Act18 The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act19 Miller v. McCalla, Raymer Padrick and Clark, LLC Dodd-Frank Act and Consumer Protection Credit And Debit Cards Consumer Loans Credit Scores Residential Mortgages State Consumer Legislation Uniform Consumer Credit Code Unfair and Deceptive Practices Statutes Arbitration of Disputes Global Dimensions of Consumer Protection Laws Summary Review Questions Review Problems Case Problems Thinking Critically about Relevant Legal Issues Assignment on the Internet On the Internet For Future Reading APPENDIX A THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES APPENDIX B UNIFORM COMERCIAL CODE (2000 OFFICIAL TEXT), ARTICLE 2 GLOSSARY INDEX A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z For courses in business law and the legal environment of business This comprehensive textbook not only helps students develop a thorough understanding of the legal environment of business, but also enhances their ability to engage in critical thinking and ethical analysis, and ultimately survive in an increasingly competitive global environment. The following features of this text are designed to ensure that the authors’ goal–to develop critically thinking students who understand the important concepts of business law and the legal environment of business–is attained. Teaching and Learning Experience This text will provide a better teaching and learning experience–for you and your students. It provides: Critical thinking skills that are developed through a superior, comprehensive, one-of-a-kind approach. An emphasis on the global environment that helps prepare students for working in countries outside of the United States, or for U.S. companies with dealings in foreign companies or countries. Additional features that distinguish this text’s teaching and learning advantages , including links connecting the law to other disciplines, a balanced mix of classic and current cases, For Future Reading lists, Applying the Law to the Facts features and more.