The Legal System provides an overview of the institutions, personnel, and procedures that make up the legal system in England and Wales. Recent changes are explained and critically evaluated, and the text explores a number of key competing themes and underlying tensions which run through the legal system. These are identified in the first chapter and then illustrated through concise commentary and practical examples in the following substantive chapters. Brief chapter summaries enable students to assess the key points of study quickly and easily. while self-test questions allow students to test their understanding at every stage. Further reading lists and useful web links point the way for further study. These features combine with the author's concise and thought-provoking commentary to offer an ideal introduction to the study of the legal system.