Details
- The ideal introductory text for those new to the study of law and the English Legal System
- Provides essential foundational knowledge on how law is created, its purposes and functions, the contexts in which it is practised and the importance of law in the ordering of society
- The reader is encouraged to question the legal system and whether it is fit for purpose, thereby helping to develop critical and analytical skills
- Commentary boxes, self-test questions, further reading and author blog draw out key points and encourage the student to reflect upon their reading and engage with contemporary debates
- Draws upon the author's considerable experience in the field in both teaching the law and his work on law reform
New to this edition
- The new edition has been fully updated to consider developments in the English Legal System including: the Norgrove report on the Family Justice System; the development and impact of alternative business structures for the legal profession; changes to legal aid; new approaches to sentencing; changes to tribunals; reforms for Ombudsmen; changes to electoral law; and the use of out of court disposals in criminal justice.
Are you new to studying law...
You've decided to study one of the most fascinating subjects - law. Whether you're working towards a law degree or studying law as part of another subject, Introduction to the English Legal System is your ideal starting point. Right from the word go, it enlivens and clarifies the legal system, and explains the central role it plays in society.
...and do you want to engage with contemporary debates?
Consolidating over 40 years' experience in the law, Martin Partington will challenge your assumptions about the English legal system, and encourage you to question how far it meets the demands placed upon it. Written in a lively style and incorporating a wealth of examples throughout, this concise introduction brings law and the legal system to life.
This title is accompanied by an innovative Online Resource Centre providing a wide range of resources:
For students:
* Author blog with podcasts
* Web links
* Knowledge-testing multiple choice questions
* Discussion questions
* Flashcard glossary
* Crosswords
For lecturers:
* Test bank of multiple choice questions with answers and feedback
* Customizable PowerPoint presentations
Readership: Pre-course reading for undergraduate law students; main text for students taking an English Legal System course in the first year; ideal for courses where no formal instruction in the legal system is provided; excellent for college students studying law at A-level; those considering a career in law; and students on courses with a legal component (eg. business studies; citizenship studies) who need to acquire foundation knowledge of the legal system.
Introduction
1: Themes and structure
Law, society and authority
2: Law and society: the purposes and functions of law
3: Law-making: authority and process
The institutional framework
4: Shaping the institutional framework: the role of government
5: The criminal justice system
6: The administrative justice system
7: The family justice system
8: The civil and commercial justice system
The delivery and funding of legal services
9: Delivering legal services: practitioners, adjudicators, and legal scholars
10: The funding of legal services
Conclusion
11: Is the English legal system fit for purpose?
Martin Partington, Emeritus Professor and Senior Research Fellow at the University of Bristol, and a qualified Barrister
Martin Partington is Emeritus Professor of Law, Bristol University. A barrister, he is a door tenant at Arden Chambers, London. For 5 years, he was Law Commissioner, and was retained by the Law Commission as a special consultant in order to complete its major programme of work on the reform of housing law until 2008. He was a special consultant to the Leggatt Review of Tribunals in 2001. He has been a member of numerous committees and bodies working within the English Legal System. In 2011-2012 he was a consultant to the Public Administration Select Committee of the House of Commons. He was appointed CBE in 2002, elected a Bencher of Middle Temple in 2006, and made an honorary Queens Counsel in 2008.
Review(s) from previous edition
"Martin Partington has succeeded admirably in providing a text which both explains things clearly, and encourages the reader to think about the enormous changes currently affecting the legal system. He has been able to draw on his experience not only as a teacher of law, but also as a law reformer and contributor to the work of many important committees. - Lord Philips of Worth Matravers
"A really good introduction to this subject; ideal as pre-course reading." - Rebecca Smith, Lecturer in Law, University of Wales, Newport
"Introduction to the English Legal System is a great learning source for any student about to embark on their law degree - I found it clear, interesting, and easy to follow. It not only helps with the basics but provides a good foundation for all areas within the degree." - Amy Wales, Law student, Reading University
"A comprehensive introduction to the basic role and workings of the English Legal System. Introduction to the English Legal System provides a detailed explanation of the key legal institutions in a logical and easy to follow structure." - Laurence Thomas, Law student, Durham University
