ABSTRACT

Public Law is concerned with the law governing the institutions of the state and the relationship between the state and the individual, and is a core subject for all students reading for a qualifying law degree. This concise, student-friendly guide will help equip students with an understanding of the key aspects of the UK’s political and legal systems as well as building an understanding of the relationship between the different branches of the state such as the executive, legislature and judiciary.

Understanding Public Law provides a consideration of the main themes in a logical, progressive manner, highlighting the broader political and social contexts, and focusing on how and why the law has developed as it has.

Throughout the text, key terms are identified and explained from the outset, helping students new to the subject familiarize themselves with the vocabulary of public law; chapter outlines and summaries help to focus the reader on the key topics; and a set of self-test questions at the end of each chapter encourage students to consider and reflect on what has been learnt. Understanding Public Law is the ideal introduction to this essential subject.

chapter 1|5 pages

Introduction to public law

chapter 2|17 pages

Sources of the Constitution

chapter 3|12 pages

Separation of powers

chapter 4|14 pages

The rule of law

chapter 5|13 pages

Parliamentary sovereignty

chapter 6|25 pages

The European Union

chapter 7|14 pages

Central, regional and local government

chapter 8|12 pages

Electoral law

chapter 9|26 pages

Parliament

chapter 10|24 pages

The protection of human rights

chapter 11|11 pages

Freedom of expression and privacy

chapter 12|12 pages

Freedom of assembly and public order

chapter 13|26 pages

Judicial review of administrative action

chapter 14|7 pages

Ombudsmen

chapter 15|12 pages

A very brief history