The English Legal System

A TIME-SAVING TEXT FOR LAW STUDENTS AND LAW LECTURERS:

‘THE ENGLISH LEGAL SYSTEM 2015-2016’ IS OUT NOW AND READY TO READ

An appreciation by Phillip Taylor MBE and Elizabeth Taylor of Richmond Green Chambers

Engaged in the study of law at the undergraduate level? Then, ‘The English Legal System 2015-2016’ by Gary Slapper and David Kelly is -- or should be -- the main textbook you should acquire. Updated annually and published by Routledge, part of the Taylor and Francis Group, this definitive work is the core textbook for any student studying law, either as a main discipline or possibly as part of a course, (law and economics for example), although primarily it is aimed at the law undergraduate intending to pursue law as a career either professionally or ancillary to other tasks.

The book’s contents, the clarity of its presentation and its links to an extensive and authoritative array of online resources together constitute the ideal foundation for academic legal studies. Now going into its sixteenth edition, no less, it is considered the best text of its kind. Certainly its two authors, Gary Slapper and David Kelly, are highly experienced current legal trainers, as the book amply demonstrates.

Thoughtful, analytical and carefully researched, the book upholds a standard of clarity and ease of use that many would say, should be emulated by other legal publications. Typically each chapter contains an introduction and summary which each cover essential points and concepts, plus there’s a handy list of key questions to inform further study.

Further study indeed is what this book encourages and consistently facilitates with enthusiasm via the suggestions for further reading and useful websites cited at the end of each chapter. These pathways are clearly presented in one of the book’s most useful features: introductory guides throughout which give a useful explanation of how to use the book and its companion website. The online skills network conveniently provides tips, advice and practical and interactive examples of how the law of England and Wales actually works.

Containing the latest developments in English law, the book, as the authors explain, includes ‘a wide range of common law, constitutional and European developments’ that have occurred since last year’s edition was published, including such areas of some considerable controversy as human rights law, family law, access to justice, legal services, legal aid and much more.

While contemporary and up to the minute, the book places the English legal system in its historical and social context. Unlike many a system of law in what Shakespeare would have called ‘less happier lands,’ the English legal system was never designed or imposed by diktat, or the the will of one individual, or government. Instead, it has evolved over a period of a thousand years and continues to change, almost from day to day and certainly from year to year. Law, as the authors point out, ‘is affected by the politics and economy that surrounds it.’ So, it is both proactive and reactive to social, economic and political change, as well as, generally speaking, continuing developments in communications and technology.

With its illuminating commentary and its wealth of ancillary resources, ‘The English Legal System 2015-2016’ is a real time-saver and well-nigh indispensable for law lecturers and law students alike.

The publication date is cited as at 2015.