A concise account of the language and structures of the Australian legal system for those who want a succinct yet thorough approach to this subject. Contents include: studying law, the law-making process, the legal system, precedent, the interpretation of statutes, contracts and commercial dealings and more.

Sixth edition of a guide to Australia's legal system, first published 1974. Discusses the role of courts, law and morality, censorship and international law and human rights. Includes chapters on the origins of the legal system, how laws are made and what the various law courts do. Written in easy to understand language, and includes case studies, cartoons and index. Chisholm is a Judge of the Family Court of Australia and Nettheim is a Professor of Law at the University of New South Wales.

Nutshells are ideal as an introduction to an area of law or as a brush up in preparation for exams. Concise; Clear explanations; Key cases; Legislative provisions.

This book examines the tradition of law in Australia & the tension between adherence to tradition & the demands of change & renewal for the legal system. The author argues that the greatest challenge the legal system faces is the challenge of inclusion -- to make the legal system one to which all Australians have access & in which all Australians are able to make their voices heard. The new edition takes account of recently published work in Australian legal history, including the Wik case & the native title debate, the debate about a Republic, changes in the Australian court system, developments in legal reasoning & statutory interpretation, & the problems of access to justice.

Understanding the Australian Legal System provides clear and accessible analysis of the Australian legal system's structures and language. Presented in an easy-to-read format that complements the books emphasis on clearly explained basic principles, takes the intimidation out of a first encounter with the study of law.