Great!, 17 Mar 2008
Looking for a comprehensive book on the 'four freedoms'? This is ideal!

It had the depth of knowledge that I needed for an essay and the layout is good for finding just what you need easily. It was a comfortable read in a subject that can be a bit confusing, or a little 'dry'. I don't think you can go far wrong.

Great!, 17 Mar 2008
Looking for a comprehensive book on the 'four freedoms'? This is ideal!

It had the depth of knowledge that I needed for an essay and the layout is good for finding just what you need easily. It was a comfortable read in a subject that can be a bit confusing, or a little 'dry'. I don't think you can go far wrong.

Impressive, 08 Jan 2009
The length and breadth of the author's knowledge, as represented in the range of issues covered in this book, is unbelievable: it's almost as if this is an edited volume featuring specialist chapters by named experts.

Inevitably, depth of coverage of specific topics suffers but this is a price well worth paying for a gem such as this.

It's a must have guide to safeguarding/vulnerable adults policy and practice with a clear emphasis upon national policy and legal duties. A brilliant book that should put others to shame. If you can only buy one book on the subject then this is, unarguably, the one.

Great!, 17 Mar 2008
Looking for a comprehensive book on the 'four freedoms'? This is ideal!

It had the depth of knowledge that I needed for an essay and the layout is good for finding just what you need easily. It was a comfortable read in a subject that can be a bit confusing, or a little 'dry'. I don't think you can go far wrong.

Impressive, 08 Jan 2009
The length and breadth of the author's knowledge, as represented in the range of issues covered in this book, is unbelievable: it's almost as if this is an edited volume featuring specialist chapters by named experts.

Inevitably, depth of coverage of specific topics suffers but this is a price well worth paying for a gem such as this.

It's a must have guide to safeguarding/vulnerable adults policy and practice with a clear emphasis upon national policy and legal duties. A brilliant book that should put others to shame. If you can only buy one book on the subject then this is, unarguably, the one.



One of the most comprehensive Employment Law texts, 20 Dec 2008
I am currently at university reading employment law at postgraduate level, and this book is one of the set texts for my course. Unlike one of the other reviewers, I think this book is extremely accessible in its style and, also, comprehensive in its coverage of the subject matter. If you're studying employment law at postgraduate level, this is one of the few employment law textbooks that is written for Master's level students. (Another excellent text is Deakin & Morris Labour Law, however a new edition is desperately needed as the most recent (4th) edition was published in 2005). Therefore, Smith & Thomas is a more up-to-date choice and contains chapters on the new TUPE Regs 2006 and Age Regs 2006.

Excellent, would recommend to all employment law students, 14 Jul 2008
Smith & wood's employment law is well written, interesting and not at all boring as the other review would suggest.
I used this book and only this book in my degree and got a 2.1. Some areas of employment law can be quite dry but that is no fault of the book. To gain the high grades you have to be prepared to do the reading and this book is extremely thorough, the writers' passion for the subject really shines through and makes it an interesting read.
The subjects are set out clearly. But if you are someone who likes bulletpoints and pretty diagrams etc then buy a nutshells book, but dont expect to get a good degree!
I will also be using this book for my masters degree in employment law.

Truly the most inaccessible law text book , 07 Jun 2008
Everything about this book is designed to make learning employment law a chore. From the poor layout and structure to the unengaging style of writing, this is certainly a text to avoid. I have yet to meet a single student with anything positive to say about this book and I can in no way recommend it. It seems I have paid £30 for something that will end up as a door stop.

Great!, 17 Mar 2008
Looking for a comprehensive book on the 'four freedoms'? This is ideal!

It had the depth of knowledge that I needed for an essay and the layout is good for finding just what you need easily. It was a comfortable read in a subject that can be a bit confusing, or a little 'dry'. I don't think you can go far wrong.

Impressive, 08 Jan 2009
The length and breadth of the author's knowledge, as represented in the range of issues covered in this book, is unbelievable: it's almost as if this is an edited volume featuring specialist chapters by named experts.

Inevitably, depth of coverage of specific topics suffers but this is a price well worth paying for a gem such as this.

It's a must have guide to safeguarding/vulnerable adults policy and practice with a clear emphasis upon national policy and legal duties. A brilliant book that should put others to shame. If you can only buy one book on the subject then this is, unarguably, the one.



One of the most comprehensive Employment Law texts, 20 Dec 2008
I am currently at university reading employment law at postgraduate level, and this book is one of the set texts for my course. Unlike one of the other reviewers, I think this book is extremely accessible in its style and, also, comprehensive in its coverage of the subject matter. If you're studying employment law at postgraduate level, this is one of the few employment law textbooks that is written for Master's level students. (Another excellent text is Deakin & Morris Labour Law, however a new edition is desperately needed as the most recent (4th) edition was published in 2005). Therefore, Smith & Thomas is a more up-to-date choice and contains chapters on the new TUPE Regs 2006 and Age Regs 2006.

Excellent, would recommend to all employment law students, 14 Jul 2008
Smith & wood's employment law is well written, interesting and not at all boring as the other review would suggest.
I used this book and only this book in my degree and got a 2.1. Some areas of employment law can be quite dry but that is no fault of the book. To gain the high grades you have to be prepared to do the reading and this book is extremely thorough, the writers' passion for the subject really shines through and makes it an interesting read.
The subjects are set out clearly. But if you are someone who likes bulletpoints and pretty diagrams etc then buy a nutshells book, but dont expect to get a good degree!
I will also be using this book for my masters degree in employment law.

Truly the most inaccessible law text book , 07 Jun 2008
Everything about this book is designed to make learning employment law a chore. From the poor layout and structure to the unengaging style of writing, this is certainly a text to avoid. I have yet to meet a single student with anything positive to say about this book and I can in no way recommend it. It seems I have paid £30 for something that will end up as a door stop.

A good point of reference., 28 Mar 2004
This book covers much of the information, required on today's LL.B and LL.M courses. The references to the case law are very good and questions asked at the end of each reference point, draw the reader to the fact that there is more to do than just 'reading' the text. The cases are well summarised and often, it is not always necessary to read the full case, as the relevant points and judgments are all clearly marked. A very well laid out book, with ample commentary, obviously written in a modern context.

Great!, 17 Mar 2008
Looking for a comprehensive book on the 'four freedoms'? This is ideal!

It had the depth of knowledge that I needed for an essay and the layout is good for finding just what you need easily. It was a comfortable read in a subject that can be a bit confusing, or a little 'dry'. I don't think you can go far wrong.

Impressive, 08 Jan 2009
The length and breadth of the author's knowledge, as represented in the range of issues covered in this book, is unbelievable: it's almost as if this is an edited volume featuring specialist chapters by named experts.

Inevitably, depth of coverage of specific topics suffers but this is a price well worth paying for a gem such as this.

It's a must have guide to safeguarding/vulnerable adults policy and practice with a clear emphasis upon national policy and legal duties. A brilliant book that should put others to shame. If you can only buy one book on the subject then this is, unarguably, the one.



One of the most comprehensive Employment Law texts, 20 Dec 2008
I am currently at university reading employment law at postgraduate level, and this book is one of the set texts for my course. Unlike one of the other reviewers, I think this book is extremely accessible in its style and, also, comprehensive in its coverage of the subject matter. If you're studying employment law at postgraduate level, this is one of the few employment law textbooks that is written for Master's level students. (Another excellent text is Deakin & Morris Labour Law, however a new edition is desperately needed as the most recent (4th) edition was published in 2005). Therefore, Smith & Thomas is a more up-to-date choice and contains chapters on the new TUPE Regs 2006 and Age Regs 2006.

Excellent, would recommend to all employment law students, 14 Jul 2008
Smith & wood's employment law is well written, interesting and not at all boring as the other review would suggest.
I used this book and only this book in my degree and got a 2.1. Some areas of employment law can be quite dry but that is no fault of the book. To gain the high grades you have to be prepared to do the reading and this book is extremely thorough, the writers' passion for the subject really shines through and makes it an interesting read.
The subjects are set out clearly. But if you are someone who likes bulletpoints and pretty diagrams etc then buy a nutshells book, but dont expect to get a good degree!
I will also be using this book for my masters degree in employment law.

Truly the most inaccessible law text book , 07 Jun 2008
Everything about this book is designed to make learning employment law a chore. From the poor layout and structure to the unengaging style of writing, this is certainly a text to avoid. I have yet to meet a single student with anything positive to say about this book and I can in no way recommend it. It seems I have paid £30 for something that will end up as a door stop.

A good point of reference., 28 Mar 2004
This book covers much of the information, required on today's LL.B and LL.M courses. The references to the case law are very good and questions asked at the end of each reference point, draw the reader to the fact that there is more to do than just 'reading' the text. The cases are well summarised and often, it is not always necessary to read the full case, as the relevant points and judgments are all clearly marked. A very well laid out book, with ample commentary, obviously written in a modern context.

very informative, 29 Sep 2001
good easy to understand text, however lacks some update features found with newer publications

Great!, 17 Mar 2008
Looking for a comprehensive book on the 'four freedoms'? This is ideal!

It had the depth of knowledge that I needed for an essay and the layout is good for finding just what you need easily. It was a comfortable read in a subject that can be a bit confusing, or a little 'dry'. I don't think you can go far wrong.

Impressive, 08 Jan 2009
The length and breadth of the author's knowledge, as represented in the range of issues covered in this book, is unbelievable: it's almost as if this is an edited volume featuring specialist chapters by named experts.

Inevitably, depth of coverage of specific topics suffers but this is a price well worth paying for a gem such as this.

It's a must have guide to safeguarding/vulnerable adults policy and practice with a clear emphasis upon national policy and legal duties. A brilliant book that should put others to shame. If you can only buy one book on the subject then this is, unarguably, the one.



One of the most comprehensive Employment Law texts, 20 Dec 2008
I am currently at university reading employment law at postgraduate level, and this book is one of the set texts for my course. Unlike one of the other reviewers, I think this book is extremely accessible in its style and, also, comprehensive in its coverage of the subject matter. If you're studying employment law at postgraduate level, this is one of the few employment law textbooks that is written for Master's level students. (Another excellent text is Deakin & Morris Labour Law, however a new edition is desperately needed as the most recent (4th) edition was published in 2005). Therefore, Smith & Thomas is a more up-to-date choice and contains chapters on the new TUPE Regs 2006 and Age Regs 2006.

Excellent, would recommend to all employment law students, 14 Jul 2008
Smith & wood's employment law is well written, interesting and not at all boring as the other review would suggest.
I used this book and only this book in my degree and got a 2.1. Some areas of employment law can be quite dry but that is no fault of the book. To gain the high grades you have to be prepared to do the reading and this book is extremely thorough, the writers' passion for the subject really shines through and makes it an interesting read.
The subjects are set out clearly. But if you are someone who likes bulletpoints and pretty diagrams etc then buy a nutshells book, but dont expect to get a good degree!
I will also be using this book for my masters degree in employment law.

Truly the most inaccessible law text book , 07 Jun 2008
Everything about this book is designed to make learning employment law a chore. From the poor layout and structure to the unengaging style of writing, this is certainly a text to avoid. I have yet to meet a single student with anything positive to say about this book and I can in no way recommend it. It seems I have paid £30 for something that will end up as a door stop.

A good point of reference., 28 Mar 2004
This book covers much of the information, required on today's LL.B and LL.M courses. The references to the case law are very good and questions asked at the end of each reference point, draw the reader to the fact that there is more to do than just 'reading' the text. The cases are well summarised and often, it is not always necessary to read the full case, as the relevant points and judgments are all clearly marked. A very well laid out book, with ample commentary, obviously written in a modern context.

very informative, 29 Sep 2001
good easy to understand text, however lacks some update features found with newer publications

Introduction to EU Law, 08 Feb 2004
This book is intended to be an introductory text to EU law, and gives a good coverage of the basic subject area. In addition, the start of each chapter comes with a useful summary of the materials that will be covered – and the various subject areas are well organised to enable students to gradually build-up their understanding of the law in this area.

Horspool presents an excellent range of key cases for students, and she provides useful cross-referencing, which help make clear how various subjects fit together. Helpfully too, the author provides a good selection of useful quotations from judgements and opinions.

However, much of the text isn’t written in a particularly user-friendly way. Her sentences are sometimes unnecessarily complicated or confused, and it can take two or three readings to make sense of certain points.

Overall, it’s a good book for the basics, especially if you already have some knowledge of the subject or are using this as a supplementary text. However, if you’re completely new to the subject, this won’t be a straightforward read.

A very good introductory book, 07 Oct 2001
Margot Horspool's textbook on European Union Law is divided into nineteen chapters. The first two chapters serve as an introduction and deal with the historical development of the European Communities and European Union as well as the basis of the Communities, i.e. the treaties. The institutions being dealt with in chapter 3, chapter 4 ("The Community legal system") deals with the different sources of Community Law (primary and secondary legislation) and legislative procedures. What follows is in the subsequent chapters a coverage of the European Court of Justice's (ECJ) jurisdiction, of the principles of direct effect, supremacy of EC law and remedies. Of course, the book also deals with the freedoms of Community law (free movement of goods, workers,...) and sex discrimination, too. There are even chapters on competition policy and intellectual property, which are not necessarily covered in a course on EC law, since there are special courses on these two areas of law.
The book is an introductory book and as such it cannot replace more comprehensive works such as Craig and de Búrca's "EU Law: Text, Cases and Materials", especially when writing an essay. It is, however, a very good book due to its clear and concise language. The major decisions of the ECJ's caselaw are dealt with. It is relatively small (440 pages) without being superficial. At the end of each chapter there are self-test questions. The book is very helpful during the preparation for exams as it can be read in a relatively small amount of time.

Great!, 17 Mar 2008
Looking for a comprehensive book on the 'four freedoms'? This is ideal!

It had the depth of knowledge that I needed for an essay and the layout is good for finding just what you need easily. It was a comfortable read in a subject that can be a bit confusing, or a little 'dry'. I don't think you can go far wrong.

Impressive, 08 Jan 2009
The length and breadth of the author's knowledge, as represented in the range of issues covered in this book, is unbelievable: it's almost as if this is an edited volume featuring specialist chapters by named experts.

Inevitably, depth of coverage of specific topics suffers but this is a price well worth paying for a gem such as this.

It's a must have guide to safeguarding/vulnerable adults policy and practice with a clear emphasis upon national policy and legal duties. A brilliant book that should put others to shame. If you can only buy one book on the subject then this is, unarguably, the one.



One of the most comprehensive Employment Law texts, 20 Dec 2008
I am currently at university reading employment law at postgraduate level, and this book is one of the set texts for my course. Unlike one of the other reviewers, I think this book is extremely accessible in its style and, also, comprehensive in its coverage of the subject matter. If you're studying employment law at postgraduate level, this is one of the few employment law textbooks that is written for Master's level students. (Another excellent text is Deakin & Morris Labour Law, however a new edition is desperately needed as the most recent (4th) edition was published in 2005). Therefore, Smith & Thomas is a more up-to-date choice and contains chapters on the new TUPE Regs 2006 and Age Regs 2006.

Excellent, would recommend to all employment law students, 14 Jul 2008
Smith & wood's employment law is well written, interesting and not at all boring as the other review would suggest.
I used this book and only this book in my degree and got a 2.1. Some areas of employment law can be quite dry but that is no fault of the book. To gain the high grades you have to be prepared to do the reading and this book is extremely thorough, the writers' passion for the subject really shines through and makes it an interesting read.
The subjects are set out clearly. But if you are someone who likes bulletpoints and pretty diagrams etc then buy a nutshells book, but dont expect to get a good degree!
I will also be using this book for my masters degree in employment law.

Truly the most inaccessible law text book , 07 Jun 2008
Everything about this book is designed to make learning employment law a chore. From the poor layout and structure to the unengaging style of writing, this is certainly a text to avoid. I have yet to meet a single student with anything positive to say about this book and I can in no way recommend it. It seems I have paid £30 for something that will end up as a door stop.

A good point of reference., 28 Mar 2004
This book covers much of the information, required on today's LL.B and LL.M courses. The references to the case law are very good and questions asked at the end of each reference point, draw the reader to the fact that there is more to do than just 'reading' the text. The cases are well summarised and often, it is not always necessary to read the full case, as the relevant points and judgments are all clearly marked. A very well laid out book, with ample commentary, obviously written in a modern context.

very informative, 29 Sep 2001
good easy to understand text, however lacks some update features found with newer publications

Introduction to EU Law, 08 Feb 2004
This book is intended to be an introductory text to EU law, and gives a good coverage of the basic subject area. In addition, the start of each chapter comes with a useful summary of the materials that will be covered – and the various subject areas are well organised to enable students to gradually build-up their understanding of the law in this area.

Horspool presents an excellent range of key cases for students, and she provides useful cross-referencing, which help make clear how various subjects fit together. Helpfully too, the author provides a good selection of useful quotations from judgements and opinions.

However, much of the text isn’t written in a particularly user-friendly way. Her sentences are sometimes unnecessarily complicated or confused, and it can take two or three readings to make sense of certain points.

Overall, it’s a good book for the basics, especially if you already have some knowledge of the subject or are using this as a supplementary text. However, if you’re completely new to the subject, this won’t be a straightforward read.

A very good introductory book, 07 Oct 2001
Margot Horspool's textbook on European Union Law is divided into nineteen chapters. The first two chapters serve as an introduction and deal with the historical development of the European Communities and European Union as well as the basis of the Communities, i.e. the treaties. The institutions being dealt with in chapter 3, chapter 4 ("The Community legal system") deals with the different sources of Community Law (primary and secondary legislation) and legislative procedures. What follows is in the subsequent chapters a coverage of the European Court of Justice's (ECJ) jurisdiction, of the principles of direct effect, supremacy of EC law and remedies. Of course, the book also deals with the freedoms of Community law (free movement of goods, workers,...) and sex discrimination, too. There are even chapters on competition policy and intellectual property, which are not necessarily covered in a course on EC law, since there are special courses on these two areas of law.
The book is an introductory book and as such it cannot replace more comprehensive works such as Craig and de Búrca's "EU Law: Text, Cases and Materials", especially when writing an essay. It is, however, a very good book due to its clear and concise language. The major decisions of the ECJ's caselaw are dealt with. It is relatively small (440 pages) without being superficial. At the end of each chapter there are self-test questions. The book is very helpful during the preparation for exams as it can be read in a relatively small amount of time.

Interesting, 08 Sep 2007
An excellent introduction to public law concepts, and worth buying for its historical perspective on the separation of powers doctrine in England.

Essential Reading, 28 Jul 2007
For the student, public law is often a slightly odd course. Unlike contract law and criminal law (which are often given together with public law in a first year LLB), public law is not only about rules in statutes and case law. I remember being quite surprised, even nervous, during my first few months studying public law at the small amount of cases I had to read. While the amount increases near the end of the year and it becomes clear that many of the rules are contained in but a few (long) cases, it is also true that public law is not just about cases.

Public law is about terms used in everyday political life, terms such as 'constitutional', 'rule of law' and 'separation of powers', the true meaning of these words, and to what extent our modern society is in line with such terms. The problem is that, all too often, the public law textbooks will serve the student with a handy rule such as "the constitution is not unwritten but uncodified", which - while generally true - will not help a student when faced with a question on an exam such as "the constitution is not unwritten but uncodified, explain"

'Public Law' by Adam Tomkins sets out to explain these often complicated terms in a language that is easy to understand. But more than that, it also explains why these terms are often inappropriate, why - for example - it is not important to dwell on whether or not the constitution is written down or uncodified. As such this book supplements the basic textbook reading and provides many of the answers for the standard essay questions students might expect on an exam.

It also gives the student a new perspective on the study of Public Law in that the subject is not just about rules, but also about asking questions: "why is this rule important? Would it make a difference if this rule were not in place?", thus providing the student with an excellent technique for handling many of the more devious essay question.

'Public Law' by Adam Tomkins is a an expertly written book: simple to understand, often witty, containing many examples from political events to illustrate the law and - overall - invaluable.

a great read, 16 Oct 2004
this was prereading before my public law 1 LLB course. with no previous legal education, I found this book thoroughly enjoyable and informative. it is the kind of book thats meant to throw you in with the legal heavy weights and you do just manage to swim. great book, heavy read and the kind of book you'll want to refer back to as you progress in your course. does the job of summarising this large body of law.

good introduction to public law, 05 Oct 2004
Was on reading list prior to my undergrad course. I found it both interesting and authorative and was able to understand the language of the auther despite having a limited legal knowledge. The author takes you through a histrorical and current outlook of the area and in doing so gives you a good general understanding of law in addition to the subject matter. Hence I found it an excellent choice as both prereading for a law degree as well as informative of what public law was about. It is by no means a light read and loses a star due to waffling and repetition in many cases, but all together highly reccomended.

Great!, 17 Mar 2008
Looking for a comprehensive book on the 'four freedoms'? This is ideal!

It had the depth of knowledge that I needed for an essay and the layout is good for finding just what you need easily. It was a comfortable read in a subject that can be a bit confusing, or a little 'dry'. I don't think you can go far wrong.

Impressive, 08 Jan 2009
The length and breadth of the author's knowledge, as represented in the range of issues covered in this book, is unbelievable: it's almost as if this is an edited volume featuring specialist chapters by named experts.

Inevitably, depth of coverage of specific topics suffers but this is a price well worth paying for a gem such as this.

It's a must have guide to safeguarding/vulnerable adults policy and practice with a clear emphasis upon national policy and legal duties. A brilliant book that should put others to shame. If you can only buy one book on the subject then this is, unarguably, the one.



One of the most comprehensive Employment Law texts, 20 Dec 2008
I am currently at university reading employment law at postgraduate level, and this book is one of the set texts for my course. Unlike one of the other reviewers, I think this book is extremely accessible in its style and, also, comprehensive in its coverage of the subject matter. If you're studying employment law at postgraduate level, this is one of the few employment law textbooks that is written for Master's level students. (Another excellent text is Deakin & Morris Labour Law, however a new edition is desperately needed as the most recent (4th) edition was published in 2005). Therefore, Smith & Thomas is a more up-to-date choice and contains chapters on the new TUPE Regs 2006 and Age Regs 2006.

Excellent, would recommend to all employment law students, 14 Jul 2008
Smith & wood's employment law is well written, interesting and not at all boring as the other review would suggest.
I used this book and only this book in my degree and got a 2.1. Some areas of employment law can be quite dry but that is no fault of the book. To gain the high grades you have to be prepared to do the reading and this book is extremely thorough, the writers' passion for the subject really shines through and makes it an interesting read.
The subjects are set out clearly. But if you are someone who likes bulletpoints and pretty diagrams etc then buy a nutshells book, but dont expect to get a good degree!
I will also be using this book for my masters degree in employment law.

Truly the most inaccessible law text book , 07 Jun 2008
Everything about this book is designed to make learning employment law a chore. From the poor layout and structure to the unengaging style of writing, this is certainly a text to avoid. I have yet to meet a single student with anything positive to say about this book and I can in no way recommend it. It seems I have paid £30 for something that will end up as a door stop.

A good point of reference., 28 Mar 2004
This book covers much of the information, required on today's LL.B and LL.M courses. The references to the case law are very good and questions asked at the end of each reference point, draw the reader to the fact that there is more to do than just 'reading' the text. The cases are well summarised and often, it is not always necessary to read the full case, as the relevant points and judgments are all clearly marked. A very well laid out book, with ample commentary, obviously written in a modern context.

very informative, 29 Sep 2001
good easy to understand text, however lacks some update features found with newer publications

Introduction to EU Law, 08 Feb 2004
This book is intended to be an introductory text to EU law, and gives a good coverage of the basic subject area. In addition, the start of each chapter comes with a useful summary of the materials that will be covered – and the various subject areas are well organised to enable students to gradually build-up their understanding of the law in this area.

Horspool presents an excellent range of key cases for students, and she provides useful cross-referencing, which help make clear how various subjects fit together. Helpfully too, the author provides a good selection of useful quotations from judgements and opinions.

However, much of the text isn’t written in a particularly user-friendly way. Her sentences are sometimes unnecessarily complicated or confused, and it can take two or three readings to make sense of certain points.

Overall, it’s a good book for the basics, especially if you already have some knowledge of the subject or are using this as a supplementary text. However, if you’re completely new to the subject, this won’t be a straightforward read.

A very good introductory book, 07 Oct 2001
Margot Horspool's textbook on European Union Law is divided into nineteen chapters. The first two chapters serve as an introduction and deal with the historical development of the European Communities and European Union as well as the basis of the Communities, i.e. the treaties. The institutions being dealt with in chapter 3, chapter 4 ("The Community legal system") deals with the different sources of Community Law (primary and secondary legislation) and legislative procedures. What follows is in the subsequent chapters a coverage of the European Court of Justice's (ECJ) jurisdiction, of the principles of direct effect, supremacy of EC law and remedies. Of course, the book also deals with the freedoms of Community law (free movement of goods, workers,...) and sex discrimination, too. There are even chapters on competition policy and intellectual property, which are not necessarily covered in a course on EC law, since there are special courses on these two areas of law.
The book is an introductory book and as such it cannot replace more comprehensive works such as Craig and de Búrca's "EU Law: Text, Cases and Materials", especially when writing an essay. It is, however, a very good book due to its clear and concise language. The major decisions of the ECJ's caselaw are dealt with. It is relatively small (440 pages) without being superficial. At the end of each chapter there are self-test questions. The book is very helpful during the preparation for exams as it can be read in a relatively small amount of time.

Interesting, 08 Sep 2007
An excellent introduction to public law concepts, and worth buying for its historical perspective on the separation of powers doctrine in England.

Essential Reading, 28 Jul 2007
For the student, public law is often a slightly odd course. Unlike contract law and criminal law (which are often given together with public law in a first year LLB), public law is not only about rules in statutes and case law. I remember being quite surprised, even nervous, during my first few months studying public law at the small amount of cases I had to read. While the amount increases near the end of the year and it becomes clear that many of the rules are contained in but a few (long) cases, it is also true that public law is not just about cases.

Public law is about terms used in everyday political life, terms such as 'constitutional', 'rule of law' and 'separation of powers', the true meaning of these words, and to what extent our modern society is in line with such terms. The problem is that, all too often, the public law textbooks will serve the student with a handy rule such as "the constitution is not unwritten but uncodified", which - while generally true - will not help a student when faced with a question on an exam such as "the constitution is not unwritten but uncodified, explain"

'Public Law' by Adam Tomkins sets out to explain these often complicated terms in a language that is easy to understand. But more than that, it also explains why these terms are often inappropriate, why - for example - it is not important to dwell on whether or not the constitution is written down or uncodified. As such this book supplements the basic textbook reading and provides many of the answers for the standard essay questions students might expect on an exam.

It also gives the student a new perspective on the study of Public Law in that the subject is not just about rules, but also about asking questions: "why is this rule important? Would it make a difference if this rule were not in place?", thus providing the student with an excellent technique for handling many of the more devious essay question.

'Public Law' by Adam Tomkins is a an expertly written book: simple to understand, often witty, containing many examples from political events to illustrate the law and - overall - invaluable.

a great read, 16 Oct 2004
this was prereading before my public law 1 LLB course. with no previous legal education, I found this book thoroughly enjoyable and informative. it is the kind of book thats meant to throw you in with the legal heavy weights and you do just manage to swim. great book, heavy read and the kind of book you'll want to refer back to as you progress in your course. does the job of summarising this large body of law.

good introduction to public law, 05 Oct 2004
Was on reading list prior to my undergrad course. I found it both interesting and authorative and was able to understand the language of the auther despite having a limited legal knowledge. The author takes you through a histrorical and current outlook of the area and in doing so gives you a good general understanding of law in addition to the subject matter. Hence I found it an excellent choice as both prereading for a law degree as well as informative of what public law was about. It is by no means a light read and loses a star due to waffling and repetition in many cases, but all together highly reccomended.

The most significant work on envirinmental law written to date, 21 Sep 2006
This is the wisest and clearest book written on environmental law I have read. It focuses on the root cause of environmental destruction and shows us that by becoming more earth centric within law (i.e. we are not at the centre of the universe but are part of a greater system that includes the earth) we can integrate human behaviour into the ecosystem and have a healthier planet and therefore a healthier humanity since we are part of the whole and not separate form the Earths environment.