are definitions from an older law dictionary valid today?

Question

im trying to decide whether to buy an older or a new law dictionary, what do you recommend?

Answer 1

A legal definition is not static. The law is based upon society, and as such, changes. In a legal dictionary, the publishers review cases which discuss a particular legal term, and come up with a general definition, and often cite some cases.

I wouldn't say that EVERY term would be defined differently in the newer version -- but, there's a risk that the ONE term you're looking for would be defined as something else.

If you're just an average person looking for a legal dictionary to add to your library -- the older one is appropriate, but if you're defending yourself pro se, or defending another person -- or, if you're interested in legal publication or research -- defininitely, newer is better.

Answer 2

Older terms are probably still correct, but your problem would be omission of newer terms - and newer meanings - that have come about due to changes in technology.

For instance, a fifty-year-old dictionary would have comments about copyright of printed matter but digital copyrights would be mostly absent.

If the dictionary is only one or two years old, shouldn't be that bad out of date, though.

Answer 3

Most, if not all legal terms remain the same.

Your book's terms are probably all still applicable; however, there may be new "terms of the art" which are in updated dictionaries.

Answer 4

have you never learned that there are many times that something from the past is always relivant? of course it is and you should probably get really prepared and buy both dont you think...so you can know ALL the answers...so no one can surprise you with something from a dictionary you dont have cause you didnt think it was relivant...dah!