5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book Explaining The Rule of Law

R.B. · 13 April 2020

The book ‘The Rule of Law’ was written by the eminent British judge Tom Bingham, KG, PC, FBA and a former Master of the Rolls, Lord Chief Justice and Senior Law Lord in the United Kingdom.The book was published in 2010 and posthumously won the 2011 Orwell Prize for literature. It contains 196 pages (eBook version) in 12 chapters written across 3 parts, dealing with the complex issue relating to the meaning of ‘The Rule of Law.’Tom Bingham effortlessly communicates his thoughts regarding ‘The Rule of Law’ throughout the book to the reader. A skill he undoubtedly developed through writing numerous essays during his lifetime. So, whether you possess legal training or not the book is not over complicated to read by the use, of legalise.Because, of his writing skill and clarity there are no-misunderstandings contained within the detailed and informative text. By not over complicating the subject matters he is discussing by prolixity; (using too many words unnecessarily). He is extremely critical against prolixity when it is used in legislation and case judgments, therefore, making them difficult to read and understand.Although, this book was written several years ago, it has not lost any of its legal relevance in the UK today. In fact, in chapter 12 relating to ‘The rule of law and sovereignty of parliament’. The book may have foreseen the Supreme Court cases involving Gina Miller and the UK government, with the book stating that, although parliament may legislate any way that it wishes, any laws it may pass must constitutionally be within ‘The Rule of Law.’As one would expect from any legal writing the book is fully supported by numerous pieces of factual evidence. These statements are constantly referenced in the (eBook version) by superscript hyperlinks to the books notes page when necessary.The book is more than give a historical record of extremely important legal events, such as the Magna Carter (1215). It also demonstrates the significance of King Henry 1 (1100) coronation oath, something that all subsequent Kings and Queens of England, and the United Kingdom have undertaken on their inaugurations. The book also contains relevant information relating to other historically important legal documentation, such as the Petition of Rights (1628) and Bill of Rights (1689).The book validates the importance of human rights and the right to a fair alongside many other different legal subjects, with enough detail to explain how ‘The Rule of Law’ is applicable to them.Throughout the book the much-learned Tom Bingham, shows his legal knowledge, by informing the reader on different legal aspects a subject may have. For example, when he discusses terrorism, he clearly explains the different legal approaches undertaken by the USA and UK after 9/11 in 2001. He also conveys his thoughts regarding the legitimacy, of the 2003.In conclusion, this is an extremely well written and informative book that I would highly recommend to anyone that is interested in understanding how ‘The Rule of Law’ works and is applied within numerous legal areas in relation to everyone’s day-to-day life.

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most interesting books I've read on law.

M.J. · 21 December 2024

I don't normally buy books on law but after having recently completed an introductory course on the legal system, this one seemed to peek my interest.I'm glad I got it.It's incredibly well written and comes from a novel perspective of the most experienced judge in the land.I will read it again as it flows so well.If you're wondering whether you should get it, go for it, it's a great read. Highly recommended.

4.0 out of 5 stars Lord Bingham Knows!

B.C. · 9 May 2013

Excellent writing: easy to read and (perhaps unsurprising from Lord Bingham) comprehensive, especially considering 'The Rule of Law' is written for a layman audience.I would recommend this to anybody seeking an overview of the law. The text explains legal institutions and history properly to provide readers with a clear comparison for some rubbish that is printed by the media.Prospective (undergraduate) law students should read this in the summer before the first year's first semester (along with Glanville Williams, 'Learning the Law').Current law students should read this alongside public law (constitutional, administrative, and human rights) and criminal law. 'The Rule of Law' offers a clear overview to show how complex elements fit within the wider legal structure (reduced to a simple and lucid model under Lord Bingham's pen!).To rate this book 4 stars rather than 5 is due to the following (overly critical observation?). The 2010 edition does not explain the UK's highest court is now the Supreme Court (UKSC), not the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords (HL). Their functions and jurisdiction are remarkably similar. But the information's absence is unfortunate, and allows some confusion that could have been avoided by a single footnote. Considering the change was made by the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, and Lord Bingham refers to that Act several times, the information's absence seems more than mere oversight. It must be observed the UKSC's creation is to strengthen the rule of law according to governmental separation-of-powers theories. By removing judicial functions from a legislative body (Parliament's House of Lords) the judiciary is more independent; so its creation is relevant to the book's thesis. Regardless, 'The Rule of Law' is worth reading. Even if (unlikely on Bolo) you pay the full £9.99 for it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant book, essentail reading

R.‘.M. · 3 March 2021

With only 200 pages this is one of the best books on Law published in England (or in English) in the last half of the century. See the small print of those lists containing the best books on..., down and below when Law and Politics are and you will always find this very book. And desevedly so.It does explain, to all the layman, the student, the professional or the specialist, a new angle on what is it the rule of Law and, more importantly, why it is essential for modern societies.It provides also with a historical introduction and practical cases.The author, one of the most reputable Judges in the history of the Courts in the United Kingdom, writes clearly to the point of being basic.A wonderful book, essential not only for those related to the Courts, but to anyone interested in the every day working an functioning of the modern society.

un "must have"

m.l.d. · 17 December 2021

Un regard et une étude de la philosophie du droit anglais qui faut absolument lire

Nice book

S. · 18 February 2022

Not only for law student but anyone. It's a nice book if you want to understand what exactly is "Rule of law". Has a nice content, short yet detailed. It's a small book not that big one, but a nice one.

Excellent resource on The Rule of Law

B. · 20 September 2025

For anyone who needs a succinct, authoritative overview of what is The Rule Of Law, and how it came to be. Clear, very interesting, superbly well-written and absolutely no-nonsense. By one of our greatest experts in the fields of models of governance. Very highly recommended.

Not just for law students

C.D. · 17 November 2018

Everyone should read this book. Everyone. And then make sure they hold our politicians up to its standards.

Great Foundation Book

T. · 18 June 2025

A great book for new law students.