This collection provides an accessible introduction to a range of studies by ethnomethodologists and conversation analysts about law and legal institutions.

Contents: Ethnomethodology, conversation analysis and the sociology of law, John F. Manzo. Exemplary Studies: Introduction to part I, Max Travers; Practical sociological reasoning: some features in the work of the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Center, Harold Garfinkel; The lawyer's work, Harvey Sacks; Contested evidence in courtroom cross-examination: the case of a trial for rape, Paul Drew; The presentation of victim and motive in discourse: the case of policy interrogations and interviews, Rod Watson; Preliminary notes on Judges' work: the Judge as a constituent of courtroom hearings?, Michael Lynch. Contemporary Contributions: Introduction to part II, Max Travers; I'm sorry we had to meed under these circumstances?: verbal artistry (and wizardry) in the Kennedy Smith rape trial, Gregory Matoesian; Record-keeping practices in the policing of juveniles, Albert J. Meehan; Justice as a phenomenon of order: notes on the organization on a jury deliberation, Douglas W. Maynard and John F. Manzo; Remorse, redress and reform: blame-taking in the courtroom, Martha Komter; Practicing law: a study of pedagogic interchange in a law school classroom, Stacy Burns; Index.