First Steps in the Law

Description

Fascinating and insightful in its coverage, this is essential reading for anyone who has ever been curious about the law. First Steps in the Law looks at how laws are made, how cases are tried, and the characters involved; ideal for anyone needing an understanding of law, whether at university, college, or at work.

• An ideal introduction for anyone who is preparing for a law course or requires an understanding of the law in their working life
• Engaging and highly readable coverage of the history and workings of the courts and their personnel; the lively writing style brings the law to life
• Geoffrey Rivlin's vast experience and fascinating detail provide an insightful snapshot of the English legal system

New to this edition

• Revised and restructured for this edition to provide the most accessible and approachable introduction for those new to law
• Expanded coverage of Europe reflects the growing importance of EU and international law
• New coverage of the human rights of young offenders in the chapter on young persons helps readers to understand this fascinating area of the law

About the Author(s)

Geoffrey Rivlin, Former Senior Resident Judge, Southwark Crown Court

His Honour Geoffrey Rivlin QC was a Senior Circuit Judge and the Honorary Recorder of Westminster. Before he became a Judge he was a barrister and Queen's Counsel. He is a Master of the Bench of the Middle Temple and has devoted much time to assisting with the training of young advocates and newly appointed judges.

Table of Contents

Part One
1:Introduction: the Royal Courts of Justice
2:The law and its importance
3:The invisible palace I: Common law and equity
4:The invisible palace II: the Constitution
5:The Palace of Westminster: our chief law makers
6:The Police: our chief law enforcers
7:The Judiciary: our law upholders
Part Two
8:The legal profession
9:Solicitors
10:Barristers
11:The courts
12:Criminal and civil cases
13:Judges
Part Three
14:Human rights
15:Discrimination and the law
Part Four
16:Criminal trials through the ages
17:Punishments though the ages
18:Criminal trials today
19:Punishments today
20:Young persons
Part Five
21:European Union law
22:Laws around the world
23:Some interesting cases

Reviews

Review from previous edition Many other text books are boring; their writing is heavy-going and immediately puts students off. This book is a joy to read; it makes the topics interesting by picking out stories that relate and explain the subject matter. - Amanda Taylor, Lecturer, University of Westminster

This book is a great introduction to law for our students; the content is always contemporary and detailed and it is written in an extremely engaging, stimulating and lively way. We find that students particularly like the interesting cases chapter. - Joanne Sellick, Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning, University of Plymouth