English Legal System 6th ed

Straightforward explanations of key topics are paired with learning features showcasing the law in its everyday context to give students a firm grasp of the fundamentals of the legal system.

• Covers a wide range of topics without overwhelming students with detail, allowing students to feel confident in their understanding of the essentials
• An introductory chapter provides valuable advice on studying the English legal system and making the transition from school to university, helping students to adapt quickly to their new studies
• Carefully designed learning features encourage students to consider thought-provoking or controversial topics, and form their own views on potential areas of reform, giving them a good grounding for the rest of their course
• Examples throughout the text put the law in its everyday context and show students the practical implications of the concepts discussed
• Also available as an e-book enhanced with self-test questions and video content to offer a fully immersive experience and extra learning support

New to this edition

• Major Legislative Updates: Coverage of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, Sentencing Bill, and Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Act—key developments shaping UK law and justice.
• Criminal Justice Reform: Insight into the Leveson Review of the UK Criminal Courts, updated Criminal Procedure Rules, and new PACE Code I, reflecting evolving standards in criminal practice.
• Legal Profession & Diversity: Latest data on judicial appointments, legal profession composition, and Solicitors Qualifying Examination outcomes, with a focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Technology & Law: Exploration of the impact of AI on legal practice, including analysis of recent contempt cases and broader implications for legal ethics and procedure.
• Human Rights & Statutory Interpretation: Case studies on climate change and human rights (Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz v Switzerland) and gender recognition (For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers), offering critical perspectives on statutory interpretation

The seventh edition is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats, and is supported by online resources.

• The enhanced e-book offers a mobile experience and convenient access along with self-test questions, author videos and links that offer extra learning support: www.oxfordtextbooks.co.uk/ebooks

The online resources, accessible via Law Trove and the e-book, include:

• Self-test multiple-choice question with instant feedback
• Author and third-party videos to illustrate the English legal system in action
• Guidance on reading cases
• Links to useful websites