law students - which book?

i know many of you advise against preliminary reading but i would like to read at least one book before i start - even if it just for piece of mind.

Of the books on my reading list, which one will be most beneficial?

a) 'Understanding Law' - John Adams and Roger Brownsword

b) 'The Law Machine' - Marcel Berlins and Clare Dyer

c) 'The Discipline of Law' - Lord Denning

d) 'Learning Legal Skills' - Marie Fox and Christine Bell

e) 'The Politics of the Judiciary' - John Griffith

f) 'Just Law' - Helena Kennedy

g) 'Invitation to Law' - AWB Simpson

h) 'A Critical Introduction to Law' - Wade Mansell, Belinda Meteyard and Alan Thomson

i) 'Learning the Law' - Glanville Williams and ATH Smith

If anyone has read any and can recommend one, i'd be greatful. Thanks
*LOU*

Reply 1

Redefined

I'm working my way through (Learning Legal rules "Holland and Web") at the moment, quite good but then I have nothing to compare it to.

Reply 2

andrewm06

I know Glanville Williams tends to divide opinion but i think its a useful guide. Dont read it cover to cover, just flick through sections which sound interesting at the time. It highlights common mistakes from students during essays / exams and means you can avoid them before your grades take a battering.

Also, the advice on mooting and mock trials is excellent .. I cant wait till i start my course :smile:

Reply 3

Lewisy-boy

The politics of the judiciary I certainly dont recommend you read at this stage ... although its quite interesting when he argues that judges should have almost a legislative discretion!

i and f

think the 'Law Machine' is a great book. It tells the reader everything about the Courts/Solicitors/Barristers/Judges/Magistrates and how a trial is conducted. Excellent stuff.

Reply 6

Happy1

^ i read the law machine... i think its perfect as its quite short and just simpy details how the legal system works, which is all you really need to know before uni.

Reply 7

Dreama

Just because Brownsword is the nicest person in the entire legal world... You should buy his book :smile:

(It's a good book too! He he!)

Reply 8

litispendence

Dreama

Just because Brownsword is the nicest person in the entire legal world... You should buy his book :smile:

(It's a good book too! He he!)

We had to read some of this for Introduction to Law and I have to say, although it has its uses, I wouldn't recommend it to someone that is still getting to grips with Law.

Everyone seems to recommend Learning the Law, I've just pre-ordered the new copy so I can brush up on my exam technique.

Reply 9

Fireman John

Lucy - the new, revised copy (Learning The Law - Williams) is out... came out 25th(?) August... Amazon say it's 4-6 weeks delivery, Blackwells are shipping now... I'm expecting my copy tomorrow. (**not telling you this 'cos it's too late now and to rub your nose in it, I believe it is possible to cancel orders with Amazon right up until they despatch)

Reply 10

Ali-

Danny5876

think the 'Law Machine' is a great book. It tells the reader everything about the Courts/Solicitors/Barristers/Judges/Magistrates and how a trial is conducted. Excellent stuff.

Ditto. I would too recommend you 'The law machine'. I wrote a review at Amazon, hoping that it is of some use.

"The law machine", by Marcel Berlins and Clare Dyer, is an introductory book about the most intrinsic part of a society- The legal system. The distinguished feature of the book is, unlike many others, that it copes with everchanging field of the law. The authors have candidly covered all the aspects of English legal system from struggling novice barristers to high earning solicitors and dominance of barristers in the judiciary. While, the criminal and the civil process of law are mentioned through a case, of a car accident, that was depicted in the television series "The law machine". Moreover, it is written in an easy language and the format remains smooth throughout. Having no prior of knowledge of English legal system whatsoever, this book has answered almost all of my queries. That makes this book worth a look. I bought this book for having an overview of English legal sytem, and I am very contented to state that it was not a mistake. To be succinct, it is a fine introductory text but if you are looking for something more than that then do not go for this book

Reply 11

chriswhit

Fireman John

hey

One of the more useful things ive learned this year is how to get hold of books! A new edition, the 13th was published in late August 2006 so amazon will still be getting stock, hence the delay. Often, it can be best to contact the publisher direct, so thats what I did! :smile:

The link is here:

http://www.sweetandmaxwell.co.uk/details?prodid=134626&unitid=134626

They say they have plenty in stock. The one minor snag is that getting it out will take 8-10 working days, but quicker than amazon at least! :smile:

Edit: John, im sorry, have just read ur post properly..Blackwells may indeed be the way to go!! I obviously need to wake up a bit more before I start work today!

Reply 12

*lucy_lou*

i went into notts yesterday and waterstones were out of stock where most of them were concerned. i really wanted the law machine but they have them on order so i am just going to get that online but i did getlearning the law. it was appealing because it is aimed directly at undergraduates who are just about to begin their degree. many if you appear to agree, im glad lol. thanks. *LOU*

Reply 13

Fireman John

Just to confirm - my books arrived from Blackwells today - it is the brand new 13th Edition of Learning The law - most up to date. Ordered it sunday evening, arrived this morning. About to immerse myself in it while I walk the dog!

Reply 14

chriswhit

Fireman John

About to immerse myself in it while I walk the dog!

Have a funny image of a book in one hand and a lead in the other!! :smile:

Who says men can't multi task! :wink:

Reply 15

Lewisy-boy

Waterstones in Nottm is normally quite well stocked, but I always use Blackwells on campus, they are quite good.

Reply 16

dragon_1706

chriswhit

Have a funny image of a book in one hand and a lead in the other!! :smile:

Who says men can't multi task! :wink:

I know someone who does that! I nearly walked into her once, as my eye was caught by something over the road... could be dangerous if too many people start joining the craze!

Reply 17

DaveLawStuuuudent06

Im currently making my way through 'Learning Legal Rules' by Holland and Webb. Very helpful book for knowledge of the legal world. I studied a-level law so i already had a start on my understanding which helped. My only advice to anyone would be not to purchase a book which is too specialist at this early stage :smile: