Describing the law, this book discusses its practical workings, the theories on which it is based and the problems to which it gives rise. It aims to encourage students to consider the arguments that surround the controversial issues in the law.

The writers' aim is to make "'A' Level study of Law" an enjoyable and stimulating experience. Therefore the book does not just describe the law, it discusses its practical workings, the theories on which it is based and the problems to which it gives rise. The study of law should also be exciting. Law is not just about rules; it is about argument, and throughout the text students are encouraged to consider the arguments that surround the controversial issues in the law.

Table of statutes xxxi
Table of cases xxxvii
PART 1
The legal system
1. The legal system
2. The structure of the English legal system
3. Civil process
4. Criminal process
5. Legal services
6. Sources of law
7. The law-making process
8. Understanding law
PART 2
Criminal Law
9. General principles of criminal law
10. The physical elements of a crime
11. The mental element of a crime
12. The crime of murder
13. The crime of manslaughter
14. Non-fatal offences
15. Theft
16. General defences
17. Crime and society
18. The procedure and practice of sentencing
PART 3
The law of tort
19. The nature of tort law
20. Physical damage: fault and strict liability
21. Physical damage: defences and damages
22. Economic loss
23. Interference with the use of land
24. Infringement of personality
PART 4
Contract
25. What contract law is all about
26. How contracts are made
27. Discovering what the contract is
28. Remedies
29. Interference by the law with freedom of contract
30. Variation, waiver and determination by agreement
31. Consumer protection
Index