The Rule of Law

'The Rule of Law' is a phrase much used but little examined. The idea of the rule of law as the foundation of modern states and civilisations has recently become even more talismanic than that of democracy, but what does it actually consist of? In this brilliant short book, Britain's former senior law lord, and one of the world's most acute legal minds, examines what the idea actually means. He makes clear that the rule of law is not an arid legal doctrine but is the foundation of a fair and just society, is a guarantee of responsible government, is an important contribution to economic growth and offers the best means yet devised for securing peace and co-operation. He briefly examines the historical origins of the rule, and then advances eight conditions which capture its essence as understood in western democracies today. He also discusses the strains imposed on the rule of law by the threat and experience of international terrorism. The book will be influential in many different fields and should become a key text for anyone interested in politics, society and the state of our world.

ISBN 1846140900   Pages 224 ISBN13 9781846140907 (What's this?)   Weight (grammes) 362 Publisher Penguin Books Ltd   Published in London Imprint Allen Lane   Height (mm) 222 Format Hardback   Width (mm) 144 Publication date 04 Feb 2010   Spine width (mm) 24 DEWEY 340.11   Academic level Tertiary education, Professional / Scholarly DEWEY edition DC22

		Part I
1		The Importance of the Rule of Law		3
2		Some History		10
		Part II
3		The Accessibility of the Law		37
4		Law not Discretion		48
5		Equality Before the Law		55
6		The Exercise of Power		60
7		Human Rights		66
8		Dispute Resolution		85
9		A Fair Trial		90
10		The Rule of Law in the International Legal Order		110
		Part III
11		Terrorism and the Rule of Law		133
12		The Rule of Law and the Sovereignty of Parliament		160
		Epilogue		171
		Notes		175
		Index		197

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