English Legal System in Context, 5th Edition

• A concise introduction to the English legal system which puts the subject in a contextual and theoretical perspective, encouraging students to develop a critical approach to the subject
• Contains many examples to help explain the theory, allowing students to make the link between theory and practice
• Tightly structured with short chapters, which makes the book ideal for students to get a succinct overview of key theoretical perspectives
• A dedicated chapter on alternative dispute resolution broadens the reader's appreciation of this central issue

New to this edition

• An increased focus on the impact and interpretation of the Human Rights Act ensures that the reader is aware of the importance of this Act in the context of the English legal system
• Updated throughout, including major changes in the criminal justice system and to the operation of tribunals

English Legal System in Context provides a critical overview of the legal system, and establishes a sound theoretical framework within which to analyse the system. It discusses the intricacies of the legal system, showing the blurred distinction between the legal and the non-legal, and the authors provide an insightful contextual analysis of the system and its main protagonists. 
As well as the traditional core areas of the English legal system such as the courts, case law, legal professionals, and the civil and criminal proceedings, the authors discuss the police and their powers, the role of the CPS, private policing, the work of non-police agencies, and various methods of alternative dispute resolution. Students will find the coverage of the legal profession of particular interest; this text is distinctive in its detailed examination of the role of law schools and law students in the development of the legal profession. 
With a clear, logical structure, and a wealth of references to take the reader further into the subject, this is a perceptive and wide-ranging study that explains and illuminates this fascinating subject.

Readership: Undergraduates studying English legal system as part of their degree programme.