Law Degree Introductory Reading

[mountainboo]

I commence my LLB in just under 2 months. I have purchased all the required/further reading for my first year (Common Law and Criminal Law). Until now I have been reading a book called Legal Skills by Emily Finch and Stefan Fafinski but the more I read, the less I can connect with the material. I purchased it from Amazon because one of the reviews claimed it was ideal as pre-course reading. From my reading so far however, it appears to be intended for someone who is well into their Legal studies as it lacks explanations and assumes the reader is an informed one. I read The Law Machine which was a fantastic book and very insightful. I want to continue with the preliminary reading but, as I have yet to enroll and receive the necessary paperwork I am 'flying blind'. Would my Common Law books be a good place to start? TIA

[Buenchico]

I'd be surprised if our resident legal eagles (Jenna1978 and Barmaid) would disagree with this suggestion. (It appears on the websites of several universities, offering Law courses, as recommended pre-course reading):
http://www.amazon.co....3/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_3

Chris

PS: When I studied for my degree, I religiously ensured that I purchased all of the books on the 'required reading' list. 40 years later, I'm still waiting to open some of them!

[mike11111]

Even if you do no pre-course reading you will not be at a disadvantage. Having said that, a text on the English Legal System would be useful. You will be recommended texts for the various areas of law. If your course is anything like mine was you will probably study the Legal System, Crime and Contract in your first year.

[mountainboo]

Thank you both. I'll check out that link Chris. I'm doing it over 5 years so I believe the modules for my first year are Common Law Reasoning and Institutions and Criminal Law.

[Barmaid]

The book Chris suggested sounds good, but probably the best book you can read is "Learning the Law" by Glanville Williams.

I would suggest you steer well clear of Nutshells etc though.

[mountainboo]

Thanks for that Barmaid will do.

[Eve]

I think just very basic books which give you an idea as to the set up of the system would be the best start - get a good grasp of how it works. You could back that up by visiting different local courts to observe and get a more practical view eg Magistrates, Crown, Employment Tribunal.

It can also give you a useful insight into some of the realities of the job! Watching bail aps down the local Magistrates during my LPC put me off criminal law for life!

You could also learn more about the European system.

Ahhh I liked Nutshalls/cases, I used them more for the very basics eg as revision reminder notes though, once I'd learnt the subject, like crib notes for exams.

[mike11111]

I have to disagree with Barmaid. I found Nutshells very useful. Whilst they don't go into things in depth they cover the main points of a topic and are excellent for revision and answering problem-type questions. If you understand your subject I reckon you could easily pass an exam with Nutshells alone.

[Barmaid]

Mike, you and I will have to agree to disagree - and I suspect it depends what the OP wants to do. There is just passing an exam and getting a top mark. Therein is the difference. That difference is extremely important for onwards progression.

[mountainboo]

Barmaid, you are thinking along the same lines as my brother-in-law, he told me Nutshells were only good if you want a pass.