The Law of Superheroes
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4.7 • 3 Ratings
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- $14.99
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
An intriguing and entertaining look at how America’s legal system would work using the world of comic books.
The dynamic duo behind the popular website LawAndTheMultiverse.com breaks down even the most advanced legal concepts for every self-proclaimed nerd.
James Daily and Ryan Davidson—attorneys by day and comic enthusiasts all of the time—have clearly found their vocation, exploring the hypothetical legal ramifications of comic book tropes, characters, and powers down to the most deliciously trivial detail.
The Law of Superheroes asks and answers crucial speculative questions about everything from constitutional law and criminal procedure to taxation, intellectual property, and torts, including: Could Superman sue if someone exposed his true identity as Clark Kent? Are members of the Legion of Doom vulnerable to prosecution under RICO? Do the heirs of a superhero who comes back from the dead get to keep their inherited property after their loved one is resurrected? Does it constitute “cruel and unusual punishment” to sentence an immortal like Apocalypse to life in prison without the possibility of parole?
Engaging, accessible, and teaching readers about the law through fun hypotheticals, The Law of Superheroes is a must-have for legal experts, comic nerds, and anyone who will ever be called upon to practice law in the comic multiverse.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this insightful and entertaining look at how comic book heroes would be affected by real-life laws, Daily and Davidson attorneys by day and authors of the popular blog "lawandthemultiverse.com" aren't afraid to ask the tough questions about superhero behavior. If asked to testify in court, "Could Spider-Man wear his mask? And could he somehow dodge questions about his identity?" The Joker may be mentally ill, "but is he legally insane?" And if Nitro burns Wolverine "knowing that he'll survive, is it still attempted murder?" Fortunately, Daily and Davidson are neither smart alecks nor ironic, and they take their work as seriously as Batman taking on his arch-villain Bane (although they can be as witty and sly as Catwoman at her best). Their intelligent exploration of ideas in constitutional law, criminal law, evidence, criminal procedure, business law, and even intellectual property always makes for fascinating reading. And a discussion about whether or not the evil Mephisto had a valid claim on Ghost Rider's soul offers hope for current law school students: "if you like the idea of twisting altruism into a legal defense for the Devil, then you may have a bright future as a defense lawyer."
Customer Reviews
Fun Read. Excellent Book.
This book makes fun out of the mundane task of learning a bit of the law that affects our everyday lives. With very humorous and interesting superhero anecdotes, you learn about a wide range of law from law enforcement to ADA type claims. It is a clever, fun book that never gets boring--And you end up learning something.