Confused about the differences between the European Community and the European Union? Uncertain about the distinction between direct effect and direct applicability? What sorts of powers does the Community actually have over the member states? What exactly, in legal terms, did the UK opt out of at Maastricht? This is a book about Community law, which sets the law in the wider context of economic and political developments in European integration. This is an introduction for students commencing the study of Community law, who want an account of the fundamental constitutional principles and basic substantive law of the European Community. It should also be of interest to lawyers and others who want to know about the impact of Community law on the UK.