Lucid introduction for the layperson, pulling no punches.
Bingham discusses the concept of the "Rule of Law" from a historical and current perspective, placing it at the centre of any equitable form of social governance. He shows how in many jurisdictions the rule of law constrains the actions of the executive, although, as he points out where the principle is not enshrined in a written constitution, as in Britain, it works only through consent. However, even where it is, as in the USA, he shows how the politicians can re-define the concept to suit their own purposes without much hindrance.

One omission was no examination of the how the background of those charged with implementing the rule of law may affect its interpretation. It cannot be healthy that they are mostly male, of a certain age and come from a narrow social milieu.


outstanding comparison of Continental and UK legal systems
This is a "must read" book for all those concerned by international legal positions and it is particularly interesting in that the description of the many discrepancies between Continental and Anglo-Saxon positions, culminating in clear and concise explanations on the war against terror and torture.

One of Our Greatest Judges
Tom Bingham is a most distinguished judge who has very positively influenced the Common Law.

In this book, inspired by a lecture he gave at Cambridge University, he deals with this most important concept which underpins our democracy. He dedicates a chapter to terrorism and the rule of law and the thorny issue of rendition.

A most interesting read. Recommended.

An excellent analysis for the non-legal reader
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







A good rad
Entertaining, witty, insightful are not words normally assoiated with books on or about the law. This is although a paperback version would be cheaper.

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