This best-selling textbook covers the essential topics of undergraduate public law modules in an insightful and interesting way. The authors capture the vibrant nature of public law in practice and the key contemporary debates in the field.

The fresh, direct and clear writing style enables students to really understand the fundamentals of the subject while also encouraging them to engage with difficult issues and debates

The book guides students through three key themes - the importance of executive accountability, the shift from political to legal constitutionalism, and multilayered governance - in order to demonstrate how the many strands of public law are interlinked

Practical examples are used throughout to show students how this subject is of essential importance to everyday life in the UK

Questions are posed throughout each chapter to encourage students get to grips with the contentious nature of the subject

The authors use figures throughout the book to clearly explain complex concepts

The 'expert commentary' feature at the end of every chapter allows students to see the debates within each subject area first-hand

Also available as an ebook enhanced with self-assessment activities and multi-media content to offer a fully immersive experience and extra learning support

New to this edition

A new introductory chapter helps students get to grips with the key aspects of public law as a field of study, outlining why it is important, how the UK and its political system function, and the fundamentals of the constitution

Every chapter has been thoroughly updated, in particular those related to the implications of Brexit

The European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 and the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020 are analysed in detail, considering how EU law will operate in the UK going forward as well as the wider constitutional implications of the Brexit process

Recent key judgments are addressed, including detailed discussion of the UK Supreme Court's judgments in the Miller I and Miller II cases, which are examined with reference to fundamental constitutional principles including parliamentary sovereignty, the separation of powers, executive accountability to Parliament, and the concept of justiciability