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University of Oxford's Reading List for Law Students
6 Best Books for Law Students, chosen by Professors of Law at Oxford.
Oxford's Balliol College is one of the UK’s top universities for law. Whether you applied or got accepted into another university, this law reading list will benefit any soon-to-be law student looking to apply themselves at the highest level.
The study of law is complex. Building a foundation of knowledge and a legal perspective, prior to starting your degree, will aid any law student in comprehending legal principles not just in the early stages of their LLB or degree, but throughout its entirety. This reading list, as recommended by the professors at Oxford’s Balliol College, will offer solid starting base to build upon through your studies.
Do you want to know what it takes to succeed as a law student? Letters to a Law Student by Nicholas McBride has become a classic recommendation to any perspective law student His guide to studying law at university is full of practical advice and helpful answers to the most common questions about studying law or an LLB at university. For those more advanced in their studies, this book is still a great tool to refresh your knowledge, manage your workload and reinforce critical learning tips.
Being able to approach and critically break down legal issues are essential skills to develop and hone throughout your law studies. Great Debates in Criminal Law (2020) by Jonathan Herring is an introduction to more advanced writings on criminal law, primarily designed to allow students to think critically and analyse specific topics. The book aims to illustrate the current debates among those working in shaping the area.
Those are just a few examples of what the professors at Oxford University’s Balliol College Law School are suggested their law students read in preparation of starting their studies. Below is their complete list of recommendations.
Introductions to the Legal System
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Letters to a Law Student: A guide to studying law at university (2017)
Nicholas McBride (Author)
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Media reviews"Reviews of the First Edition 'What About Law?' succeeds where so many legal guidebooks fail. The authors give a measured, succinct tour around key legal issues that is both illuminating for the non-lawyer and refreshingly thought-provoking for those whose undergraduate days are long behind them...By anchoring the book in contemporary cases replete with human interest and a tangible effect on our lives, 'What About Law?' skilfully demystifies the law and ably proves its argument. The law is, indeed, all around us - and this book will whet your appetite to find out how and why" Alex Wade The Times 22nd January 2008"The enthusiasm of the authors for the academic study of their subject is infectious, and this energetic little book should give those musing about a law degree a better insight into whether to study law at university than any amount of work experience in a lawyer's office, which after all, is not the inevitable outcome of a law degree, any more than it necessitates one" Cherry James Web Journal of Current Legal Issues"As a 17 year old student who wishes to study Law at University, I have found it particularly difficult to get a clear idea as to what studying Law entails having never studied it previously. However, your recently published book 'What about Law?' stands out as a superb read for any prospective Law student. The writing style is very accessible and areas of which I previously had little or no knowledge such as EU Law, have been brought to life through the excellent writing technique...After reading 'What about Law?', I feel far more aware of what the Law is and what a university Law course is likely to consist of...I am sure that anyone who has the good fortune to pick up and read this book will answer the title question with a resounding 'Yes!" Matthew Cowen, Student at Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School, Elstree July 2008
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AuthorCatherine Barnard is Reader in European Union Law, Jean Monnet Chair in European Law, Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. Author of EC Employment Law (OUP, 2006, 3rd edn) and The Substantive Law of the EU: The Four Freedoms (OUP, 2007, 2nd edn). Janet O'Sullivan is Senior Lecturer in Law, Fellow of Selwyn College, Cambridge, winner of Cambridge University Pilkington teaching prize for excellence in university teaching; associate editor, Tottel's Journal of Professional Negligence; solicitor. Co-author of O'Sullivan and Hilliard, The Law of Contract (OUP, 2006, 2nd edn). Graham Virgo is Professor of English Law, Fellow of Downing College, Cambridge, winner of Cambridge University Pilkington teaching prize for excellence in university teaching; Law faculty access officer; barrister. Author of Principles of the Law of Restitution (OUP, 2006, 2nd edn).
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Glanville Williams: Learning the Law (2020)
ATH Smith (author)
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Media reviews"Reviews of the First Edition 'What About Law?' succeeds where so many legal guidebooks fail. The authors give a measured, succinct tour around key legal issues that is both illuminating for the non-lawyer and refreshingly thought-provoking for those whose undergraduate days are long behind them...By anchoring the book in contemporary cases replete with human interest and a tangible effect on our lives, 'What About Law?' skilfully demystifies the law and ably proves its argument. The law is, indeed, all around us - and this book will whet your appetite to find out how and why" Alex Wade The Times 22nd January 2008"The enthusiasm of the authors for the academic study of their subject is infectious, and this energetic little book should give those musing about a law degree a better insight into whether to study law at university than any amount of work experience in a lawyer's office, which after all, is not the inevitable outcome of a law degree, any more than it necessitates one" Cherry James Web Journal of Current Legal Issues"As a 17 year old student who wishes to study Law at University, I have found it particularly difficult to get a clear idea as to what studying Law entails having never studied it previously. However, your recently published book 'What about Law?' stands out as a superb read for any prospective Law student. The writing style is very accessible and areas of which I previously had little or no knowledge such as EU Law, have been brought to life through the excellent writing technique...After reading 'What about Law?', I feel far more aware of what the Law is and what a university Law course is likely to consist of...I am sure that anyone who has the good fortune to pick up and read this book will answer the title question with a resounding 'Yes!" Matthew Cowen, Student at Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School, Elstree July 2008
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AuthorCatherine Barnard is Reader in European Union Law, Jean Monnet Chair in European Law, Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. Author of EC Employment Law (OUP, 2006, 3rd edn) and The Substantive Law of the EU: The Four Freedoms (OUP, 2007, 2nd edn). Janet O'Sullivan is Senior Lecturer in Law, Fellow of Selwyn College, Cambridge, winner of Cambridge University Pilkington teaching prize for excellence in university teaching; associate editor, Tottel's Journal of Professional Negligence; solicitor. Co-author of O'Sullivan and Hilliard, The Law of Contract (OUP, 2006, 2nd edn). Graham Virgo is Professor of English Law, Fellow of Downing College, Cambridge, winner of Cambridge University Pilkington teaching prize for excellence in university teaching; Law faculty access officer; barrister. Author of Principles of the Law of Restitution (OUP, 2006, 2nd edn).
Constitutional Law
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Media reviews"Reviews of the First Edition 'What About Law?' succeeds where so many legal guidebooks fail. The authors give a measured, succinct tour around key legal issues that is both illuminating for the non-lawyer and refreshingly thought-provoking for those whose undergraduate days are long behind them...By anchoring the book in contemporary cases replete with human interest and a tangible effect on our lives, 'What About Law?' skilfully demystifies the law and ably proves its argument. The law is, indeed, all around us - and this book will whet your appetite to find out how and why" Alex Wade The Times 22nd January 2008"The enthusiasm of the authors for the academic study of their subject is infectious, and this energetic little book should give those musing about a law degree a better insight into whether to study law at university than any amount of work experience in a lawyer's office, which after all, is not the inevitable outcome of a law degree, any more than it necessitates one" Cherry James Web Journal of Current Legal Issues"As a 17 year old student who wishes to study Law at University, I have found it particularly difficult to get a clear idea as to what studying Law entails having never studied it previously. However, your recently published book 'What about Law?' stands out as a superb read for any prospective Law student. The writing style is very accessible and areas of which I previously had little or no knowledge such as EU Law, have been brought to life through the excellent writing technique...After reading 'What about Law?', I feel far more aware of what the Law is and what a university Law course is likely to consist of...I am sure that anyone who has the good fortune to pick up and read this book will answer the title question with a resounding 'Yes!" Matthew Cowen, Student at Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School, Elstree July 2008
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AuthorCatherine Barnard is Reader in European Union Law, Jean Monnet Chair in European Law, Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. Author of EC Employment Law (OUP, 2006, 3rd edn) and The Substantive Law of the EU: The Four Freedoms (OUP, 2007, 2nd edn). Janet O'Sullivan is Senior Lecturer in Law, Fellow of Selwyn College, Cambridge, winner of Cambridge University Pilkington teaching prize for excellence in university teaching; associate editor, Tottel's Journal of Professional Negligence; solicitor. Co-author of O'Sullivan and Hilliard, The Law of Contract (OUP, 2006, 2nd edn). Graham Virgo is Professor of English Law, Fellow of Downing College, Cambridge, winner of Cambridge University Pilkington teaching prize for excellence in university teaching; Law faculty access officer; barrister. Author of Principles of the Law of Restitution (OUP, 2006, 2nd edn).
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The Rule of Law (2011)
Rt Hon Lord Bingham of Cornhill KG PC FBA Tom Bingham (Author)
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Media reviews"Reviews of the First Edition 'What About Law?' succeeds where so many legal guidebooks fail. The authors give a measured, succinct tour around key legal issues that is both illuminating for the non-lawyer and refreshingly thought-provoking for those whose undergraduate days are long behind them...By anchoring the book in contemporary cases replete with human interest and a tangible effect on our lives, 'What About Law?' skilfully demystifies the law and ably proves its argument. The law is, indeed, all around us - and this book will whet your appetite to find out how and why" Alex Wade The Times 22nd January 2008"The enthusiasm of the authors for the academic study of their subject is infectious, and this energetic little book should give those musing about a law degree a better insight into whether to study law at university than any amount of work experience in a lawyer's office, which after all, is not the inevitable outcome of a law degree, any more than it necessitates one" Cherry James Web Journal of Current Legal Issues"As a 17 year old student who wishes to study Law at University, I have found it particularly difficult to get a clear idea as to what studying Law entails having never studied it previously. However, your recently published book 'What about Law?' stands out as a superb read for any prospective Law student. The writing style is very accessible and areas of which I previously had little or no knowledge such as EU Law, have been brought to life through the excellent writing technique...After reading 'What about Law?', I feel far more aware of what the Law is and what a university Law course is likely to consist of...I am sure that anyone who has the good fortune to pick up and read this book will answer the title question with a resounding 'Yes!" Matthew Cowen, Student at Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School, Elstree July 2008
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AuthorCatherine Barnard is Reader in European Union Law, Jean Monnet Chair in European Law, Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. Author of EC Employment Law (OUP, 2006, 3rd edn) and The Substantive Law of the EU: The Four Freedoms (OUP, 2007, 2nd edn). Janet O'Sullivan is Senior Lecturer in Law, Fellow of Selwyn College, Cambridge, winner of Cambridge University Pilkington teaching prize for excellence in university teaching; associate editor, Tottel's Journal of Professional Negligence; solicitor. Co-author of O'Sullivan and Hilliard, The Law of Contract (OUP, 2006, 2nd edn). Graham Virgo is Professor of English Law, Fellow of Downing College, Cambridge, winner of Cambridge University Pilkington teaching prize for excellence in university teaching; Law faculty access officer; barrister. Author of Principles of the Law of Restitution (OUP, 2006, 2nd edn).
Criminal Law
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Great Debates in Criminal Law (Great Debates in Law) (2020)
Jonathan Herring (Author)
paperback
£29.88
paperback
£29.99
Roman Law
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Media reviews"Reviews of the First Edition 'What About Law?' succeeds where so many legal guidebooks fail. The authors give a measured, succinct tour around key legal issues that is both illuminating for the non-lawyer and refreshingly thought-provoking for those whose undergraduate days are long behind them...By anchoring the book in contemporary cases replete with human interest and a tangible effect on our lives, 'What About Law?' skilfully demystifies the law and ably proves its argument. The law is, indeed, all around us - and this book will whet your appetite to find out how and why" Alex Wade The Times 22nd January 2008"The enthusiasm of the authors for the academic study of their subject is infectious, and this energetic little book should give those musing about a law degree a better insight into whether to study law at university than any amount of work experience in a lawyer's office, which after all, is not the inevitable outcome of a law degree, any more than it necessitates one" Cherry James Web Journal of Current Legal Issues"As a 17 year old student who wishes to study Law at University, I have found it particularly difficult to get a clear idea as to what studying Law entails having never studied it previously. However, your recently published book 'What about Law?' stands out as a superb read for any prospective Law student. The writing style is very accessible and areas of which I previously had little or no knowledge such as EU Law, have been brought to life through the excellent writing technique...After reading 'What about Law?', I feel far more aware of what the Law is and what a university Law course is likely to consist of...I am sure that anyone who has the good fortune to pick up and read this book will answer the title question with a resounding 'Yes!" Matthew Cowen, Student at Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School, Elstree July 2008
-
AuthorCatherine Barnard is Reader in European Union Law, Jean Monnet Chair in European Law, Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. Author of EC Employment Law (OUP, 2006, 3rd edn) and The Substantive Law of the EU: The Four Freedoms (OUP, 2007, 2nd edn). Janet O'Sullivan is Senior Lecturer in Law, Fellow of Selwyn College, Cambridge, winner of Cambridge University Pilkington teaching prize for excellence in university teaching; associate editor, Tottel's Journal of Professional Negligence; solicitor. Co-author of O'Sullivan and Hilliard, The Law of Contract (OUP, 2006, 2nd edn). Graham Virgo is Professor of English Law, Fellow of Downing College, Cambridge, winner of Cambridge University Pilkington teaching prize for excellence in university teaching; Law faculty access officer; barrister. Author of Principles of the Law of Restitution (OUP, 2006, 2nd edn).
Criminal Law
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An Introduction to Roman Law (Clarendon Law Series) (1976)
Barry Nicholas (author), Ernest Metzger (author)
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Media reviews"Reviews of the First Edition 'What About Law?' succeeds where so many legal guidebooks fail. The authors give a measured, succinct tour around key legal issues that is both illuminating for the non-lawyer and refreshingly thought-provoking for those whose undergraduate days are long behind them...By anchoring the book in contemporary cases replete with human interest and a tangible effect on our lives, 'What About Law?' skilfully demystifies the law and ably proves its argument. The law is, indeed, all around us - and this book will whet your appetite to find out how and why" Alex Wade The Times 22nd January 2008"The enthusiasm of the authors for the academic study of their subject is infectious, and this energetic little book should give those musing about a law degree a better insight into whether to study law at university than any amount of work experience in a lawyer's office, which after all, is not the inevitable outcome of a law degree, any more than it necessitates one" Cherry James Web Journal of Current Legal Issues"As a 17 year old student who wishes to study Law at University, I have found it particularly difficult to get a clear idea as to what studying Law entails having never studied it previously. However, your recently published book 'What about Law?' stands out as a superb read for any prospective Law student. The writing style is very accessible and areas of which I previously had little or no knowledge such as EU Law, have been brought to life through the excellent writing technique...After reading 'What about Law?', I feel far more aware of what the Law is and what a university Law course is likely to consist of...I am sure that anyone who has the good fortune to pick up and read this book will answer the title question with a resounding 'Yes!" Matthew Cowen, Student at Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School, Elstree July 2008
-
AuthorCatherine Barnard is Reader in European Union Law, Jean Monnet Chair in European Law, Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. Author of EC Employment Law (OUP, 2006, 3rd edn) and The Substantive Law of the EU: The Four Freedoms (OUP, 2007, 2nd edn). Janet O'Sullivan is Senior Lecturer in Law, Fellow of Selwyn College, Cambridge, winner of Cambridge University Pilkington teaching prize for excellence in university teaching; associate editor, Tottel's Journal of Professional Negligence; solicitor. Co-author of O'Sullivan and Hilliard, The Law of Contract (OUP, 2006, 2nd edn). Graham Virgo is Professor of English Law, Fellow of Downing College, Cambridge, winner of Cambridge University Pilkington teaching prize for excellence in university teaching; Law faculty access officer; barrister. Author of Principles of the Law of Restitution (OUP, 2006, 2nd edn).
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