The primary focus of this text is to provide a bridge for students between the academic world and the real world. This bridge is built through an understanding of what is law, how law is created, how law affects almost every activity of human conduct, and how legal institutions operate. Intended mainly for architectural and engineering students, but increasingly for those in business schools and law schools, this text features a clear, concise, and jargon-free presentation. It probes beneath the surface of legal rules and uncovers why these rules developed as they did, outlines arguments for and against these rules, and examines how they work in practice. Updated with the most recent developments in the legal aspects of architectural, engineering, and the construction processes, this text is also a valuable reference for practitioners and has been cited in over twenty-five court decisions.

A new 2017 Update includes the latest changes regarding relevant industry associations, regulations, and codes of ethics. The supplement includes hard copies of AIA B101-2017; A101-2017; A101-2017, Exhibit A; and A201-2017. The book’s website has AIA A401-2017; EJCC C-520, C-700, and E-500; and the American Arbitration Association (AAA) Construction Industry Arbitration Rules.