- The text encourages students to critique the English legal system and to foster an appreciation of academic debate concerning how the law is made and reformed
- Question boxes, supported by audio podcasts on the Online Resource Centre, spark active engagement with the more controversial aspects of the legal system and encourage the application of knowledge to real-life situations
- Written in a lively and approachable style explaining the key concepts with clarity to capture the interest of those new to the study of law
- Provides comprehensive coverage of topical issues and enriches students' understanding by placing the English legal system in the wider context of European and international developments
New to this edition
- Part III of the book has streamlined its structure so that summary trials, trials on indictment and youth trials are all considered in the same chapter allowing the reader to compare and contrast the differences between these types of trials.
- A new chapter on juries and trial by lay magistrates has been written so that students can understand the important role lay justice plays in the English Legal System.
- The chapter on civil litigation is structured around three new case studies: one focussing on the small claims track; another on judicial review; and the final on a family dispute. This unique approach enables students to understand exactly how different forms of civil litigation occur in real life
- The chapter on civil remedies and appeals continues the case-study approach so students can see what happens when a party disagrees with the ruling of the judge and understand how an appeal would be brought against the decision.
- The chapter on the future of the English Legal System considers changes to judicial diversity, judicial appointments and important structural changes proposed by the Crime and Courts Bill 2012 currently before Parliament and which recommends, amongst others, the creation of a new Family Court of England & Wales.
The English Legal System provides a lively and approachable introduction for those new to the study of law. The textbook presents the main areas of the legal system and encourages students to critique the wider aspects of how law is made and reformed.
Clearly structured in five parts:
- Sources of Law;
- Courts and Practitioners;
- Criminal Justice System;
- Civil Justice System; and
- The Future of ELS
the text is designed to reflect the content of legal system courses and provides thorough and informative coverage of all main topics.
The author's engaging writing style brings the subject to life and questions for reflection encourage students to engage with and debate the controversial aspects of the legal system.
Real life examples, diagrams and activities appear throughout the text to ensure students understand how the law works in practice.
Online Resource Centre
The English Legal System is accompanied by a variety of online resources for both students and lecturers.
For students:
- Introductory podcasts guide you through the textbook features
- Suggestions for practical activities help you take your learning further
- A glossary containing key terms relating to the English legal system
- Audio podcasts support the questions for reflection in the textbook
- Regular updates featuring discussion of changes in the law since book publication
- Web links guide you to useful information on the English legal system
For lecturers:
- A testbank of multiple choice questions that can be customized and incorporated into your teaching
Readership: The English Legal System is aimed primarily at LLB students taking the compulsory English Legal System module in the first term of their first year. It is also suitable for students on any undergraduate programme requiring an understanding of the English legal system.
