Smith & Keenan's English Law, 17th edition

“The latest edition of Smith and Keenan’s English Law cannot fail to impress once again. This comprehensive introductory law text is a dependable companion for every non-law student and layman alike. The new authors are to be commended for successfully carrying on the tradition upon which the book's excellent reputation was built.”

Andrea Cerevkova, Senior Lecturer in Law, Edge Hill University.

“Smith and Keenan's English Law is the most comprehensive text on English law available on the market. Suitable for students at all levels.”

Lachmi Singh, University of the West of England

Have you ever wondered what exactly constitutes an unwritten constitution? What your rights are as an employee? When a contractual agreement is binding?

Well-known for its uniquely comprehensive coverage of the legal system and the main, substantive areas of English law, Smith and Keenan’s English Law is the definitive introduction to the law of the land and an all-purpose reference guide for students and professionals alike.   

• The text includes an extensive section on the defining cases and legal materials that underpin the law and are vital to an understanding of the relevant subject area. Clear headnotes, verbatim extracts, incisive summaries of the legal principles derived from these sources and expert commentary will help you to quickly get to grips with the leading authorities. 
• A handy glossary defines the legal terms most commonly used in everyday practice.

In addition to the latest developments in case and statute law, the seventeenth edition includes these important updates: 

• Part 1 on "The English Legal System" has been substantially revised to give a clearer picture the way the law operates today, including a more in-depth exploration of the English common law, the country’s unwritten constitution, the legal profession, and the recent emergence of Alternative Business Structures (ABS).
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), an area of growing importance with far-reaching implications, is explored for the first time, examining the various procedures which have been grouped together under this umbrella term (i.e. negotiation, mediation and arbitration).
• The chapters dealing with the Law of Torts have been reworked to include greater consideration of case law and judicial thinking in the area. In addition, a section of nervous shock (psychiatric harm) has been introduced.
• The chapters on Employment Law have been expanded in order to give a more complete picture of the potential issues which may be faced by both employers and employees, including an analysis of the contract of employment, the termination of employment, and issues of discrimination in the workplace. The impact of the Equality Act 2010 is considered in detail throughout.