Product Description

Most young people considering studying law, or pursuing a legal career, have very little idea of what learning law involves and how universities teach law to their students. This new book provides a 'taster' for the study of law; a short, accessible presentation of law as an academic subject, designed to help 17- and 18-year old students and others decide whether law is the right choice for them as a university subject, or, if they have already made the choice, what to expect when they start their law degree. It helps answer the question 'what should I study at university?' and counters the perception that law is a dry, dull subject. What About Law? shows how the study of law can be fun, intellectually stimulating, challenging and of direct relevance to students. Using a case study approach, the book introduces prospective law students to the legal system, as well as to legal reasoning, critical thinking and argument. This is a book that should be in the library of every school with a sixth form, every college and every university, and it is one that any student about to embark on the study of law should read before they commence their legal studies. All of the authors have long experience in teaching law at Cambridge and elsewhere and all have also been involved, at various times, in advising prospective law students at open days and admissions conferences. See the detailed website for this book: www.whataboutlaw.co.uk.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #27157 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 213 pages

Review
The authors of this volume expertly identify and communicate the essence of the subject: its broad scope, covering a wide range of social, political and moral problems; its intellectually satisfying methods of analysis, based on logic, precedent and judgment; and, above all, its entertainment value…I very much hope and expect that the information, and enthusiasm, contained in these pages will encourage potential law students. --Foreword by David Pannick QC, Blackstone Chambers, 18 June 2007

About the Author
Catherine Barnard is Reader in European Union Law, Jean Monnet Chair in European Law, Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. Author of EC Employment Law (OUP, 2006, 3rd edn) and The Substantive Law of the EU: The Four Freedoms (OUP, 2007, 2nd edn). Janet O'Sullivan is Senior Lecturer in Law, Fellow of Selwyn College, Cambridge, winner of Cambridge University Pilkington teaching prize for excellence in university teaching; associate editor, Tottel's Journal of Professional Negligence; solicitor. Co-author of O'Sullivan and Hilliard, The Law of Contract (OUP, 2006, 2nd edn). Graham Virgo is Professor of English Law, Fellow of Downing College, Cambridge, winner of Cambridge University Pilkington teaching prize for excellence in university teaching; Law faculty access officer; barrister. Author of Principles of the Law of Restitution (OUP, 2006, 2nd edn).

Customer Reviews

Perfect for law applicants...
I used Glanville Williams when I applied for law - luckily its dryness didn't put me off! It's useful as a basic mini reference book for those starting law, but this book is the one to read if you are wondering whether to study law or wanting to know what it'll actually be like. Written by three very good teachers as well as academics.

If you want to go into more debate about law (politics, civil liberties) try 'Just Law' by Helena Kennedy. What About Law? is the book for a realistic, informative, engaging guide to the subjects you'd study in a law degree.

A good place to start thinking about law
This book is an excellent way to get a taste for what it is like to study law at degree level. It tackles all seven core subject areas giving the reader a good introduction and case study to see how that aspect of law functions. Some of the book is a little exhaustive, however you should reassure yourself that all will become clear in the classroom.

A good place to start for all prospective law students.

Very Good
This book gives a great idea of what it is like to study law. Each of the chapters offers a rather comprehensive account of what the seven key areas of law are like to study. The only drawback is this book's tendancy to get very slightly dense at times, referring to concepts and ideas that have only been introduced a page before, or to some that haven't been mentioned for several chapters!

However, overall this book really is excellent. If you are looking for an insight into what studying the law really involves, look no further.