Law is a human activity. This engaging book examines the contexts underpinning Australian law and goes beyond its language and institutions to enquire into how legal norms operate in practice. It aims to demystify the law, whilst critically analysing its value and creatively exploring how it might be reformed to serve justice more fully in a complex world.
The authors address four major themes: the liberal foundations of Australian law, the hurdles generally encountered by law in its endeavour to lead to positive social change, the impact of social divisions such as class, gender or race on the application of the law, including its resulting failures for the marginalised, and the influences of globalisation on the shape and operation of Australian law.
The second edition has been updated throughout and includes discussion on several recent events with implications for our legal system, including the Robodebt enquiry, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Voice referendum.
The critical approach of the authors presents theories of law from different viewpoints, inviting readers to determine their own responses to its operation across a range of issues. The accessible, coherent and structured analysis makes the book an ideal introduction to the socio-legal foundations and operation of Australian law for students, lawyers and non-legal audiences.
Features:
Accessible commentary to encourage engagement with legal concepts
Engaging, topical discussion
Logically structured
Plentiful examples to support discussion
Related Titles:
Hamer et al, Laying Down the Law, 12th ed, 2024
Jones, Chisholm & Nettheim’s Understanding Law: An Introduction to Australia’ Legal System, 9th ed, 2021
Ratnapala & Moens, Jurisprudence of Liberty, 2nd ed, 2010
Zimmermann, Western Legal Theory: History, Concepts Perspectives, 2013
By:
Ciprian Radavoi Imprint: LexisNexis Butterworths Australia Country of Publication: Australia Edition: 2nd edition Weight: 1.500kg ISBN:9780409359121 ISBN 10: 0409359122 Publication Date:11 March 2025 Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Active