The Foundations of Public Law

This textbook provides a thorough and accessible introduction to the basic principles of United Kingdom Public Law; This book is therefore an essential starting point for more advanced law students and a valuable source of legal context for political science students alike. This thought-provoking and engaging book provides an insightful examination of public law, exploring the complex relationship between institutions, individual and state, and offering both explanation and critical analysis. Public law is viewed against a backdrop of differing types of governmental power and the problems to which this may give rise, with a particular focus being given to recent changes in the British constitution. By placing public law in a broader context, the book seeks to take a different approach from that of a general textbook, thereby offering a fresh view of the subject that is topical, relevant and interesting. Whether used as introductory reading or as an ongoing companion to a main course text, it will provide a valuable perspective that will be of great benefit to law students and politics students alike. This new second edition has been comprehensively revised and updated to reflect recent developments in the law. A companion website featuring updates can be found at: This textbook provides a thorough and accessible introduction to the basic principles of United Kingdom Public Law; including Human Rights law. By taking the reader through the key constitutional structures – from what it means to study Public Law and the inherent challenges and tensions therein, to the more specific structures like the judiciary and executive. This book is therefore an essential starting point for more advanced law students and a valuable source of legal context for political science students alike. Both authoritative and accessible, it enables the reader to appreciate the complexity and beauty of this most fundamental part of our legal system.New to this Edition:- Thoroughly revised to take in the latest developments in this field of law.