The first edition of this set was published in 2002. The format of the second edition is the same — more than 20 major topics subdivided, with the subsections having articles of two to six pages, most ending with a short bibliography and addresses or URLs of pertinent government agencies or private organizations. The introductory overview of the American legal system is still found in both volumes, but the index and glossary are still in volume 2 only.
It appears that 10 of the major topics were not revised but 2 new subjects were added — "Homeland Security" and "Tort and Personal Injury Actions." Two of the subtopics in the new tort chapter, "Assault" and "Battery," were not even in the index of the first edition. Some of the subtopics have additions or revisions, consistent with what has occurred in the last few years. "Business Law" has a new section on officer and director liability, and "Consumer Issues" has new sections on consumer-debt collection and identity theft. "Criminal Law" has added topics on DNA testing and sex offenders.
Surprisingly, there were few or no changes in the "Immigration," "Intellectual Property," "Internet," and "Telecommunications" sections. A number of bibliographies were not updated. A paragraph on finding an attorney describes the Best Lawyers in America, 1999-2000, though there are newer editions available.
The encyclopedia is still a recommended title for public and academic libraries, but librarians will need to decide if they need this partially revised edition.