Details
- A lively and accessible introduction to law, covering the history and workings of the courts and their personnel
- An ideal introduction for anyone who is considering a career in the law, preparing for university, or embarking on a law course at college or school
- Geoffrey Rivlin's vast experience and engaging style provide a fascinating insight into the English legal system
- Includes topical issues such as human rights and dangerous drugs
New to this edition
- Discussion of new cases keep the text up-to-date and relevant whilst older cases demonstrate how the law has developed through history
- Increased coverage of European Law appears within the chapter on Laws around the World
- The chapter on Interesting Cases is expanded to cover new civil and criminal cases which give the reader an insight into how the courts address different legal aspects of our lives
'Essential reading for new lawyers, those with a professional interest in the law, or simply the curious... the sort of book that will appeal to lawyer and non-lawyer alike, from journalist to legislator, student to enquiring member of the public. It expertly guides you through the ever-changing minefield of our legal system' John Cooper, The Times
Understanding the Law is a lively and accessible introduction to the law. Geoffrey Rivlin uses all his experience as a judge to provide a wealth of fascinating detail about the legal system and the many people who participate in it, including judges, lawyers, and police officers. An updated selection of real-life cases help bring the book to life, and there are questions to accompany each chapter to encourage the reader to engage with the material. This book is ideal for anyone considering a career in the law, preparing for university, or embarking on a law course at school or college.
Readership: Suitable supplementary or pre-course reading for undergraduate students on the LLB studying the English legal system. Also suitable for joint honours and GDL students who need a concise overview of the English legal system, as well as A-level law students.
1: Introduction - the Royal Courts of Justice
2: The Law and its Importance
3: The Invisible Palace - Part 1: 'Judge-Made' Law - Common Law and Equity
4: The Invisible Palace - Part 2: The Constitution
5: The Palace of Westminster: Our Chief Law Makers - Parliament
6: Our Chief Law Enforcers - the Police
7: Our Law Upholders - the Judiciary
8: Human Rights
9: Discrimination and the Law
10: The Legal Profession
11: Solicitors
12: Barristers
13: The Work of the Courts - Part 1: The Courts
14: The Work of the Courts - Part 2: Criminal and Civil Cases
15: Judges
16: Legal Robes
17: Criminal Trials through the Ages
18: Punishments through the Ages
19: Criminal Trials Today
20: Punishments Today
21: Young Persons
22: Dangerous Drugs
23: Laws around the World
24: Some Interesting Cases
Questions for the Reader
Some Useful Reading
Geoffrey Rivlin, Former Senior Resident Judge, Southwark Crown Court
HH Judge Geoffrey Rivlin QC is a former Senior Resident Judge at Southwark Crown Court and was the Honorary Recorder of Westminster. For many years Geoffrey Rivlin was a barrister and QC; he is a Master of the Bench of the Middle Temple. He has devoted much of his time to assisting with the training of young advocates and newly appointed judges, and was responsible for promoting the Judges and Schools programme of court visits which support the citizenship curriculum.
"Essential reading for new lawyers, those with a professional interest in the law, or simply the curious... the sort of book that will appeal to lawyer and non-lawyer alike, from journalist to legislator, student to enquiring member of the public. It expertly guides you through the ever-changing minefield of our legal system. " - John Cooper, The Times
"This book is a joy to read - a perfect introduction to law, for pre-course reading or entertainment. " - Penny Darbyshire, Kingston University
"The book provides a valuable insight into the laws of England and Wales and it provides a very useful starting point for those who want to know more about the law and how it operates. " - Niaz Faiz, Policy Officer, Department for Constitutional Affairs
"...skilfully combines a "starter" history of our legal system with a thumbnail sketch of the laws that affect us and the people who implement them. " - The Times
"Written in a lively and engaging fashion with lots of interesting links and stories to spark and hold the reader's attention. " - Avis Whyte, University of Westminster
"Rivlin's book is in a different league to other introductory texts in this area. " - The Law Teacher
