This book challenges the usual introductions to the study of law. It argues that law is inherently political & reflects the interests of the few even while presenting itself as neutral. It considers law as ideology & as politics & critically assesses its contribution to the creation & maintenance of a globalised & capitalist world. The clarity of the arguments is admirably suited to provoking discussions of the role of law in our contemporary world. The third edition provides contemporary examples to sustain the arguments in their relevance to the 21st century. The book
Includes:: an analysis of the common sense of law; the use of anthropological examples to gain external perspectives of our use & understanding of law; a consideration of central legal concepts such as order rules property dispute resolution legitimation & the rule of law; an examination of the role of law in womens subordination; & finally a critique of the effect of our understanding of law upon the wider world. This book is ideal for undergraduate & postgraduate students reading law.