Laying Down the Law

Laying Down the Law provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the study of law. Essential foundation topics covered include Australia’s legal system and sources of law, while discussion of current issues highlights the context in which our legal system operates and the role and responsibilities of the legal profession. Clear explanations of precedent and statutory interpretation provide a solid basis for legal study and practice, and practical examples and exercises support learning and the development of key skills. A legal toolkit and marginal notes provide additional information to develop understanding of key concepts. The book is supported by a range of online materials to consolidate knowledge and skills.

The 12th edition has been extensively revised throughout, including discussion on recent developments in case law and legislation, such as the Legislation Interpretation Act 2021 (SA) and continuing developments following the High Court’s decision in Farah Constructions Pty Ltd v Say-Dee Pty Ltd. Other current issues, such as constitutional recognition of Australia’s First Nations peoples and the implications for legal research and practice of the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence programs, are also considered.

Features

• Engaging and relevant for new students of law
• Content is clear, accurate and reliable
• AGLC 4th ed citation style used throughout the text to support student compliance with widely adopted citation rules
• Clear explanations and practical examples and exercises develop legal reasoning, research and writing skills through problem based learning
• Comprehensive online package of lecturer and student materials delivers time savings for lecturers and self-guided practice and revision for students

Related Titles

• Bruce Bott and Ruth Talbot-Stokes, Nemes & Coss’ Effective Legal Research, 8th ed, 2021
• Judith Jones, Chisholm & Nettheim’s Understanding Law: An Introduction to the Australian Legal Systems, 9th ed, 2021
• Nichola Corbett-Jarvis and Brendan Grigg, Effective Legal Writing: A Practical Guide, 3rd ed, 2021

About the Authors

David Hamer is a Professor at Sydney Law School, University of Sydney.

Judith Jones is an Associate Professor of Law at the ANU College of Law, Australian National University. She graduated in law from the University of New South Wales. In 1996 Judith joined the ANU where she teaches and conducts research in the areas of statutory interpretation, Australian legal history and environmental law.

Patrick O’Mara is an Academic Liaison Librarian at the University of Sydney Library.

Belinda Smith is an Associate Professor at Sydney Law School, University of Sydney.

Tristan Taylor is a Senior Lecturer in Humanities at the University of New England and a University Associate of the College of Arts, Law and Education at the University of Tasmania. He is a co-author of Laying Down the Law, 12th ed (LexisNexis, 2024).