Stephen Sedley Boeken

The book explores the historical origins and evolution of modern English public law through a series of in-depth studies. It examines key developments, influential figures, and pivotal events that have shaped the legal landscape, providing a comprehensive understanding of how contemporary public law has emerged from its historical roots. The analysis offers insights into the interplay between law and society, making it a valuable resource for those interested in legal history and public law's foundational principles.

The book offers a unique perspective on the history, engineering, and architecture of the justice system, informed by the author's diverse experiences as a barrister, academic, and judge. It particularly focuses on the significant constitutional changes in the United Kingdom over the past two decades, providing insights into the evolution of legal frameworks and their implications for justice.

Now in paperback, an entertaining and enlightening compendium at the intersection of two great British folk traditions: song and encounters with the law. At the heart of traditional songs rest the concerns of ordinary people. And folk throughout the centuries have found themselves entangled with the law: abiding by it, breaking it, and being caught and punished by it. Who Killed Cock Robin? is an anthology of just such songs compiled by one of Britain’s most senior judges, Stephen Sedley, and best-loved folk singers, Martin Carthy. The songs collected here are drawn from manuscripts, broadsides, and oral tradition. They are grouped according to the various categories of crime and punishment, from Poaching to the Gallows. Each section contains a historical introduction, and every song is presented with a melody, lyrics, and an illuminating commentary that explores its origins and sources. Together, they present unique, sometimes comic, often tragic, and always colorful insight into the past, while preserving an important body of song for future generations.

"For over 30 years, first as a QC, then as a judge, and latterly as a visiting professor of law at Oxford, [the author] has written and lectured about aspects of the law that do not always get the attention they deserve...This volume contains recent articles...and lectures given to a variety of audiences. The first part is concerned with law as part of history - Feste's 'whirligig of time'; the second part with law and rights. The third part is a group of biographical and critical pieces on a number of figures from the legal and musical worlds. The final part is more personal, going back to the author's days at the bar, and then forward to some parting reflections."--