Jowitt's Dictionary of English Law 5th Edition

Jowitt’s Dictionary of English Law is the only truly authoritative dictionary of English law, defining every legal term used, both old and new – from “abandonment”, in its many different contexts, to “zoonoses”. It provides clarity on the meaning of words, when drafting, interpreting and understanding legal materials or for any other form of legal research.

Key concepts in the law of the United Kingdom keep changing and developing their meanings, and practitioners need to be sure that they are using and interpreting expressions in accordance with the latest jurisprudence. Jowitt's Dictionary of English Law remains the authoritative starting point, and is regularly cited to and by the courts for this purpose. See, for example, reference to Jowitt for the meaning of "set off" in Rank Group PLC v HMRC [2019 ] UKUT 0100 (TCC) or for the developing meaning of "person aggrieved" in Watkins v Aged Merchant Seamen's Homes [2018 ] EWHC 2410 (Admin).

Jowitt is also the starting point for research in relation to new or unfamiliar legal concepts, and the Fifth Edition fully updates readers on the wide range of new concepts introduced by legislation in the last few years, from specialist terms such as "whiplash claim" in the Civil Liability Act 2018 or "free-circulation procedure" in the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018, to the wide range of new terms of general importance in Acts such as the Data Protection Act 2018 or the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Updates to existing terms are also included.

This title is typically used in conjunction with Stroud’s Judicial Dictionary and is regularly cited to and by the courts.

• Provides a concise, but comprehensive and authoritative definition of every expression that forms part of the law of England and Wales
• Incorporates extensive additions and amendments to ensure it is absolutely up-to-date with current law
• Covers European terms in so far as they form part of the law of England and Wales
• Covers new and developing fields of law, including environmental law, housing, social security, alternative dispute resolution and more
• Includes explanations of historical terms, placing newer terms in context
• Complements – and cross-referenced to – Stroud’s Judicial Dictionary
• Provides an authoritative point of reference for research or for understanding any unfamiliar term or area of law