The English Legal System in Action

The completely revised new edition of this popular text considers the theory and practice of the operation of those institutions of the English legal system with which the ordinary citizen is most likely to have contact. It adopts as its focus the notion of access to justice. Throughout, the letter of the law is measured against the law in action drawing both on official sources and on research studies into the operation of the system. Both the criminal and civil systems are considered, and the work of tribunals is given a prominent place in the consideration of the civil system.

Major trends are identified and a new chapter considers the impact both of European Union law and of the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights. The text provides a unique introduction to the English legal system and the individual, and raises questions about its ability to meet the needs of all its citizens by examining the themes of due process and access to justice.