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How the Law Works

2nd Edition

By Gary Slapper

Published November 24th 2010 by Routledge – 264 pages

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Description

How the Law Works is a refreshingly clear and reliable guide to today’s legal system. Offering interesting and comprehensive coverage, it makes sense of all the curious features of the law in day to day life and in current affairs.

Explaining the law and legal jargon in plain English, it provides an accessible entry point to the different types of law and legal techniques, as well as today's compensation culture and human rights law. In addition to explaining the role of judges, lawyers, juries and parliament, it clarifies the mechanisms behind criminal and civil law.

How the Law Works is essential reading for anyone approaching law for the first time, or for anyone who is interested in an engaging introduction to the subject’s bigger picture.

Reviews

"How the Law Works is a very useful companion to anyone embarking on the study of law." Andrew Baker, Liverpool John Moores University

"How the Law Works is a comprehensive, witty and easy-to-read guide to the law. I thoroughly recommend it to non-lawyers who want to improve their knowledge of the legal system and to potential students as an introduction to the law of England and Wales." Lynn Tayton QC

Reviews of the first edition:

"A friendly, readable and surprisingly entertaining overview of what can be a daunting and arcane subject to the outsider." The Law Teacher

"An easy-to-read, fascinating book … brimful with curios, anecdote and explanation." The Times

Contents

1. The Importance of Law. 2. Judges. 3. Lawyers. 4. Cases and the Courts. 5. Case Technique. 6. Interpreting Acts of Parliament. 7. Types of Law. 8. The Jury. 9. Language and Law. 10. Miscellany.

Author Bio

Gary Slapper is Professor of Law at the Open University and is the author of several leading textbooks including The English Legal System, co-written with David Kelly.

Sample Chapters

Name: How the Law Works: 2nd Edition (Paperback) – Routledge 
Description: By Gary Slapper. How the Law Works is a refreshingly clear and reliable guide to today’s legal system. Offering interesting and comprehensive coverage, it makes sense of all the curious features of the law in day to day life and in current affairs. Explaining...
Categories: English Law, Legal Skills, Method & System