Learning law without school/college/uni? How?

[Joey2020]

Hi there,
I am interested in learning about law (most specifically employment or criminal law).
If I want a general grounding/introduction to law without signing up for a course, where do I start? What do I read? What do I look for?

[R0b]

Books are probably your starting point if you want a general grounding and overview of the subject area.

The Nutshells series books are good to get an overview of the area of law. They're cheap enough and contain enough detail about key cases and relevant details to help you understand the basics. The series has books that cover criminal and employment law.

If you are looking for something with more meat on the bones, then I would recommend Smith & Wood's Employment Law book. Perhaps Ula could recommend something in this area.

As for a decent criminal law book, Smith, Hogan & Omerod's Criminal Law was always a student's favourite and you could combine that with Smith, Hogan & Omerod's Text, Cases & Materials on Criminal Law is essentially a book of key criminal cases and useful ones in all areas of criminal law.

If you are looking for more bite sized discussions on specific subjects, then many law firms offer webinars and seminars now and again covering topics of interest. Worth checking out their websites and signing up if you have an interest - also check the Lexology website too as they have up and coming webinars from time to time.

[ULA]

For employment law is you can do a Google search and come up with access to some online useful information such as

http://www.tim-russell.co.uk/upimage...nt%20Guide.pdf

Both Butterworths and the College of Law publishing Employment Law Handbooks which will give you a good overview.

[Joey2020]

Thanks both of you. I shall check all of the above out.

[Joey2020]

Hello, just wanted to update you guys. I purchased quite a few of the books starting with the recommendations above. Accidentally bought a couple of USA versions too - something to look out for.

[ULA]

Happy reading

[islandgirl]

If you have no experience and would like to see law in action spend a day watching in the Magistrates court and then the Crown Court. Ask the ushers for the most interesting cases they are usually happy to help.