The Rule of Law

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.

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.

Ah, "The Rule of Law" by Tom Bingham, my dear reader, is nothing short of a riveting journey through the very essence of justice and democracy. The man's prose, oh, it dances and glides with such eloquence and finesse, guiding us through the intricacies of legal concepts with effortless charm and clarity. Sir Tom Bingham, a legal mind of great renown, takes us on a wondrous voyage, seamlessly weaving history and contemporary examples into an enlightening tapestry. His words, a symphony of wisdom and insight, captivate both the seasoned legal professionals and the uninitiated. As we delve deeper into the book's pages, Bingham's passion for the rule of law, its principles, and its profound impact on equality, accountability, and human rights becomes ever more palpable. His advocacy for an independent judiciary and the safeguarding of fundamental freedoms rings loud and clear, leaving us with much to ponder. Truly, "The Rule of Law" is a treasure, rekindling our appreciation for the pillars that fortify our democratic societies. Bingham's persuasive arguments beckon us to cherish and uphold the sanctity of the rule of law in our daily lives.

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.

Although dealing with complex legal concepts, Bingham writes so clearly and elegantly that this book is a joy to read and is perfectly comprehensible to a lay person. (Indeed, this is the readership at which it is aimed.) The 'rule of law' is a vitally important subject and this book should be read by anyone who seeks to understand better the meaning of the concept and who is concerned about the erosion of human rights in this country. Though the writing is balanced and measured throughout, Bingham pulls no punches in his observations about the legality of the Iraq War and the justifications put forward by Bush, Blair and their cronies - his commentary on the war is as incisive (and as devastating) as anything I have read on the subject. The book is a legal tour de force, written by this country's most distinguished jurist.

I am 18 years old and I am going to study law at university next year. The term 'Rule of Law' is used everywhere but and the definition that we all know is very narrow and does not encompass the importance of this term. Bingham helps explain the history that has led to our modern rule of law, what he thinks is needed by a state to sustain the rule of law and he does this in a very clear and easy to understand manner. I read this book before my interview to read law at the University of Cambridge and I was able to refer to some of the things I learned in this book in my interview and hopefully impress my interviewers. I would recommend this to anyone thinking of studying law, currently studying law or literally anyone who is interested in understanding the significance of the 'Rule of Law'

As one might expect, given the author, the book provides an excellent tour/tutorial of the development of the concept of the Rule of Law, and takes one through its context, relevance and importance; nationally and internationally. Above all, while a book like this could have been a difficult to read scholastic or legal treatise, it seems to this reader that the author has managed to explain the concept in accessible terms (by corollary reminding me of Feynman on his inability to provide a simple explanation of a concept in physics, that it must mean he didn't understand it either). There is more however: his critique of recent political decisions that went against the rule of law was measured, detailed and excoriating. This is an important guidebook to read alongside Just Law , The Triumph of the Political Class and Taking Liberties

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 Amazon) you pay the full £9.99 for it.

As Tom Bingham had said in his preface, this book is suitable not only for lawyer but also for non-lawyer who has interested in the concept of the Rule of Law. The author traced us back through its history and origins in Part I, then described the most important elements for being the state governed by the Rule of Law in Part II, and go on about interrelationship between the Rule of Law and the International Communities in Part III. Its contents are essential with useful footnotes. The writing style is, for ordinary reader; non-lawyer, easy to follow. I highly recommend this one.

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

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.

One of the best book on Rule Of Law. A must read for students who love Jurisprudence.

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