An Introduction to Constitutional Law discusses the general principles of the United Kingdom constitution from a critical, comparative perspective. It emphasizes the principal characteristics of this uncodified constitution, contrasting it with the documentary constitutions of the United States, France, and Germany. There are fewer checks on the power of government in this country than there are under those constitutions, where courts may review the constitutionality of legislation. This book also discusses the `federal' constitution of the European Union, as well as examining its impact on UK constitutional law. Its publication is particularly timely, in view of the programme of constitutional reform on which the Labour government has embarked. That makes it imperative to examine critically the principles of the constitution and explore whether anything may be learnt from the experience of other countries. The book offers a succinct and up to date account of British constitutional law and will be the ideal introduction for all students studying the subject whether as part of a law of politics degree.

About the Author
Eric Barendt is Goodman Professor of Media Law at University College London. His publications include Freedom of Speech (1987), Broadcasting Law (1995), and Libel and the Media (1997), all published by Oxford University Press.

Reviews
Professor Barendt has written an excellent introductory text which examines the basic principles of the United Kingdom constitution...Overall, Barendt has written a concise and erudite analysis of the theoritical concepts and practical features of our contempory constitution. Students of public law will find it an invaluable complimentary work to Peter Cane's established book on Administrative Law in the same Clarendon Law Series./Alastair Mowbray/C.J.Q., Vol 18, July, Sweet & Maxwell 1999.
In a welcome addition ot the constitutional law and political sciences libraries, Barendt's IAn Introduction to Constitutional LawI provides a critical overview of the principles and structure of the United Kingdom constitution. / Barendt makes interesting references to the constitutions of other nations./ Diana Woodhouse, Parliamentary Affairs, April 1999.



Book Information
ISBN 9780198762546
Author Eric Barendt
Format Paperback
Page Count 216
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 299g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 138mm * 17mm