As a UK law student, you'll encounter a variety of legal materials that will form the foundation of your legal knowledge and understanding. These resources serve different purposes and provide unique insights into the legal landscape. Let's explore some of the most important ones:
Primary Sources:
- Case Law: These are judicial decisions made by courts, which establish legal principles and precedents. They are essential for interpreting the law and understanding how it applies to specific situations. You can find case law in law reports and online databases like Westlaw and Lexis.
- Legislation: This is the law created by Parliament and other legislative bodies, such as Acts of Parliament and statutory instruments. It outlines the rights and obligations of individuals and organizations and forms the basis of many legal arguments. You can find legislation on official government websites like legislation.gov.uk, as well as on Westlaw and Lexis.
Secondary Sources:
- Halsbury's Laws of England: This comprehensive legal encyclopedia provides in-depth analysis and commentary on virtually every aspect of English law. It's a valuable resource for gaining an overview of a legal topic and understanding the legal framework within which cases and legislation operate, and is available in print in the library and online via Lexis.
- Government Documents: These include white papers, reports, and consultations issued by government departments and agencies. They provide insight into policy considerations and the rationale behind legislative changes.
- Hansard: This is the official record of parliamentary debates. It can be useful for understanding the legislative intent behind a particular law and how it was debated in Parliament.
- Legal Journals and Textbooks: These provide analysis, commentary, and critical perspectives on legal issues. They can be useful for understanding complex legal concepts and exploring different interpretations of the law.
Other Resources:
- Legal Encyclopedias: Similar to Halsbury's, these offer a broad overview of legal topics and can be helpful for gaining background knowledge.
- Legal Dictionaries: These define legal terms and concepts, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the language of the law.
- Law Commission Reports: These propose reforms to the law and can be useful for understanding potential future developments.
By familiarising yourself with these different types of legal materials and learning how to use them effectively, you'll be well-equipped to succeed in your legal studies and develop the skills necessary for a successful legal career.
