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A CRITICAL ASSESSMENT OF HOW OUR LAW IS MADE -- AND A FASCINATING READ An appreciation by Phillip Taylor MBE and Elizabeth Taylor of Richmond Green Chambers For students of the law in England and Wales, ‘The English Legal System’ can rightly be called the classic and definitive work on this vast and far-reaching subject. Quite rightly, it is the reference book to which law students generally turn for an explication of the law that is reliable and factual, yet which encourages creativity of thought and inspires further inquiry. The result is a work of reference that is highly readable and indeed a pleasurable introduction to the study of law. The fact that this is the fifteenth edition, newly minted by Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, is a testament to its popularity and value for literally generations of students. Written in clear, accessible prose, it examines with a critical eye how law is made and how it is applied. For those relatively new to the study of law, the overview of the English legal system at the beginning of the book is extremely useful. It makes the point that the legal system itself was never ‘made’ or created or designed by any one individual or institution. It is instead, a system that has evolved from somewhat uncertain beginnings over a thousand years ago and -- important to note -- continues to grow and develop. Its wheels may be perceived to grind a little slowly, but fundamentally it is a responsive system that is adaptable over time and certainly ever-changing. The adaptive and evolutionary character of English law creates an imperative both for lawyers and students, to keep abreast of the latest developments, which is why this work of reference is updated annually. This latest edition in particular contains a significant amount of new material and includes, for example, updates to anti-terrorism and control orders. The new Crime and Courts Act 2013 is included and there’s a completely new chapter on Family Courts and Process which is most welcome. Mediation and the Children and Families Bill 2013 receive augmented coverage, together with the substantial changes that have resulted from the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012. Another distinguishing feature of this book is its ease of use. To ensure that this substantial volume holds no terrors for the occasionally bewildered student, there’s a Guide to Using the Book which notes, for instance, the introductions at the beginning of each chapter and end-of-chapter summaries which reiterate essential points, plus ‘Food for Thought’ sections and suggestions for further reading. Additionally there’s another, much lengthier reading list and index at the back. And for lecturers as well as students, there is also a guide to the companion website. ‘The approach favoured by this book,’ say the learned authors, Slapper and Kelley, ‘is to recognize that studying the English legal system is not just about learning legal rules, but is also about considering a social institution of fundamental importance.’ Certainly this almost 800 page volume presents an abundance of resources for research, contemplation, insight and study. If there isn’t, there should be -- a copy on every law student’s desk and in every law lecturer’s professional library. In fact, the book is more than accessible to any reader interested in the law.Read full review
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