English Legal System in Context takes a unique analytical approach to the subject of the English Legal System. Frequent examples are incorporated throughout the text, illustrating the link between theory and practice, while the concise and engaging style enables students to have an excellent understanding of the subject as a whole.

1. What is 'the English legal system'? ; 2. The significance of courts ; 3. Courts in 'the English legal system' ; 4. Tribunals ; 5. English legal reasoning: the use of case law ; 6. English legal reasoning: reading statutes ; 7. The university law school and law students ; 8. Solicitors and barristers ; 9. Judges and judging ; 10. The civil court in action ; 11. Alternative dispute resolution ; 12. Private security and other non-police agencies ; 13. The public police: uncovering crime and powers of stop and search ; 14. Arrest and detention ; 15. Prosecutions ; 16. The magistrates' court ; 17. The Crown Court

The authors provide a unique perspective on the English Legal System, encouraging students to critically analyse the subject. Frequent examples are incorporated throughout the text, helping to explain the link between theory and practice. The text covers a wide range of key areas, such as the courts, case law, alternative dispute resolution and the Human Rights Act, while remaining engaging and concise.

Fiona Cownie is Professor of Law at the University of Keele. She was formerly HK Bevan Professor of Law at the University of Hull. A former Vice-Chair of the Socio-Legal Studies Association, and Past President of the European Law Faculties Association, she is an expert in legal eduction, and is well known for her work in socio-legal studies. She is currently President of the Society of Legal Scholars. Anthony Bradney is Professor of Law at the University of Keele. He was formerly Professor of Law at the University of Sheffield and the University of Leicester. He was Vice-Chair of the Socio-Legal Studies Association, Executive Committee member of the Society of Legal Scholars, and is editor of the Web Journal of Current Legal Issues. Bradney has published widely in the areas of law and religion, law and popular culture, legal pluralism, and legal education. Mandy Burton is Lecturer in Law at the University of Leicester. She specialises in criminal justice and family law. She has completed numerous empirical socio-legal studies, including projects commissioned by the Crown Prosecution Service, Department for Constitutional Affairs, the Home Office and The Legal Services Commission.

The authors provide a unique perspective on the English Legal System, encouraging students to critically analyse the subject. Frequent examples are incorporated throughout the text, helping to explain the link between theory and practice. The text covers a wide range of key areas, such as the courts, case law, alternative dispute resolution and the Human Rights Act, while remaining engaging and concise.