Is Killing People Right?

This book examines how the common law works through profiles of eight great cases.

In a sequel to the instant classic Is Eating People Wrong?, this book presents eight great cases in common law from the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. Written in a highly accessible style, it is an ideal introduction to legal history and jurisprudence.'Great cases' are those judicial decisions around which the common law pivots. In a sequel to the instant classic Is Eating People Wrong?, this book presents eight new great cases from the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. Written in a highly accessible yet rigorous style, it explores the social circumstances, institutions (lawyers, judges and courts) and ordinary people whose stories shaped the law. Across the courts' diverse and uncoordinated attempts to adapt to changing conditions and shifting demands, it shows the law as the living, breathing and down-the-street experience it really is. Including seminal cases in end of life, abortion and equal rights, this is an ideal introduction for students to legal history and jurisprudence.