How the Law Works

‘How the Law Works is a gem of a book, for law students and for everyone else. It is a must read for anyone interested in how society is shaped and controlled via law.’

Dr Steven Vaughan, solicitor, Senior Lecturer, Birmingham Law School

‘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.’

HH Judge 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

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.

Gary Slapper is Global Professor at New York University, and the author of many major law books, and academic articles. He is a door tenant at 36 Bedford Row, the Chambers of Frances Oldham QC, and a writer on Law for The Times. He is also a columnist for The Times online.