This book draws together a wide range of material from statutes, cases, reports, professional codes and academic commentaries.The topics covered include sources of law; the civil courts; the criminal courts; the judiciary; case and statute law; the legal profession and legal services; legal aid and advice; the civil process; the criminal process; the jury; arbitration and alternative dispute resolution; and the theory of the system. This book aims to help the reader to develop a sound understanding of each topic and the theory which underlies the legal system. Each theme is given an introduction in which the outlines and issues are made clear. Source material is accompanied by a short commentary in which any potential elusive phrases are explained.
Gary Slapper is Professor of Law, and Director of the Centre for Law, at The Open University, and writes a legal column for The Times.
David Kelly is Principal Lecturer in Law, and Director of the Centre for Critical Legal Studies, at Staffordshire University.