A short list of amazing books you should sink your teeth into as a law student or law student to-be. It’s a great way of kick-starting your legal education, in an engaging way and looks fantastic on personal statements. Enjoy : )
In Your Defence, Sarah Langford
A fantastic dip into to the criminal and family sectors of the law. The book describes eleven cases, which in turn reveals the workings of the criminal and family courts. Speaks of the tales of domestic fall out, everyday burglary, sexual indiscretion, and children caught up in the law.
Letters to a Law Student, Nicholas J McBride
This book is an amazingly helpful collection of ‘letters’ written to a fictious student about what it’s like to study law, also giving a basic but insightful explanation of the legal system. The main focus of this book is telling students how to study effectively. McBride gives all kinds of useful advice, and tips and tricks on life as a law student. Also advising on topics like: how much work you should be doing, and how to make notes on a case.
The Secret Barrister: Stories of the Law & How it’s Broken
This anonymously written book tells the stories of those people the law has failed to protect. The book talks about many victims’ cases that have been dropped without justice, and how innocent defendants are ruined, or left bankrupt after having to pay legal fees, for which they are never compensated.
What About the Law? Catherine Barnard et al
A great and useful guide to the various fields of law. The book provides a ‘taster’ for the study of law. It comes very highly recommended for those about to start their legal education, as a short, and accessible presentation of law. It shows how the study of law can be challenging, but equally fun and stimulating.
Is Eating People Wrong? Allan Hutchinson
The title of the book makes reference to the case of R v Dudley & Stephens, which established that killing and proceeding to eat the person make you guilty of murder, even if it’s a case of survival. The book explores 8 cases from the UK, USA and Australia that show the law as a living experience. It ventures into the social circumstances in which these cases arose and the individual who shaped the law surrounding each of the circumstances (lawyers, judges and the courts).
The Rule of Law, Tom Bingham
Bingham explains the ‘rule of law’ to be a principle of the UK’s constitution. Bingham defines the rule of law to be the concept that politicians must govern within their powers, and that the law must be understandable, certain and apply to all. In the book Bingham lays out 8 principles vital to the rule of law, and goes on to explain how these principles form the principles of modern democratic society.
Great Debates in Criminal Law, Jonathan Herring
An engaging introductory text to criminal law, which is a fantastic way for students to understand topics on a deeper level, and begin to build their critical thinking and analysis skills. The book aims to illustrate current debates, rather than providing a complete overview of theoretical issues in criminal law.
Landmarks in the Law, Baron Alfred Denning
This book discusses cases identifiable under the headings: High Treason, Freedom of the Press, and Murder. In this book, Herring covers what he describes as the most important case- the Profumo Inquiry, where he talks of the key issues in this case.
The Art of Always Being Right, Arthur Schopenhauer
A great book on teaching readers the tricks people use in debates. In addition to the lessons giving you insight into how to detect false arguments, it also gives a few tricks to you can use in response.
Learning the Law, Glanville Williams
Learning the Law has introduced a fresh prospective for law students to go on to obtain the relevant skills set they need to study the subject effectively. It covers the essential legal skills needed by students to succeed in their legal education and future careers.
Eve was Framed, Helena Kennedy
Much concerned with justice as the law, this excellent read explores the different ways in which the legal system has let down women. Whether this be women lawyers, victims and defendants. The book embodies Kennedy’s personal critique of the British legal system, and focuses on the treatment of women in our courts, under the prejudice of judges, the misconception of jurors, and the influence of the media.
Bleak House, Charles Dickens
This incredible read tells the story revolving around a court case concerning a number of wills; most of the novel taking place in the legal areas of London. The book has particular relevance to law students, when giving its insightful knowledge into the character and tradition of the legal profession.
Anatomy of a Murder, Robert Traver
This book follows a former district attorney in Michigan who takes on a hard-to-read client accused of murder. A story of deceit, murder and a trial.