Law: The Basics

An engaging introduction to one of the most complex areas of modern life. The book introduces both the main components of the legal system - including judges, juries and law-makers - and key areas of law - contract, civil negligence, and criminal law - to provide the uninitiated with an ideal introduction to law. Key questions to be considered include: How are laws made? How do judges decide cases? What is the exact role of the EU in the legal system? What are your rights and duties under contract law? What is a crime and what are criminal defences? Throughout the book, a wide range of contemporary cases are examined to relate key legal concepts to familiar examples and real world situations. Gary Slapper is Professor of Law, and Director of the Law School, at The Open University. He is a door tenant at 36 Bedford Row and a legal columnist for The Times. David Kelly was formerly Principal Lecturer in Law at the Staffordshire University Law School. They have written several books together including the Routledge textbooks The English Legal System, English Law, and Questions and Answers on the English Legal System. Table of Contents List of Abbreviations Preface 1. Types of Law 2. How Laws are Made 3. Making Sense of Legislation 4. How Judges Decide Cases 5. European Law 6. Human Rights 7. The Jury 8. Criminal Law 9. Contract Law. Glossary of Terms. Bibliography