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

Tony Dugdale , Pro Vice-Chancellor, Beachcroft Wansbroughs Professor, University of Keele, Vera Bermingham , School of Law, Kingston University, Michael P. Furmston , Bencher of Gray's Inn, Emeritus Professor of Law and Senior Research Fellow, University of Bristol, Stephen Jones , Lecturer in Law, University of Bristol, Christopher Sherrin , Professor of Law, University of Hong Kong