Categories: Jurisprudence Jurisprudence & Philosophy Of Law International Law


The Rule of Law
4.15 (2,454 ratings by Goodreads)
Paperback English
By (author) Tom Bingham


A gem of a book ... Inspiring and timely. Everyone should read it Independent

The Rule of Law is a phrase much used but little examined. The idea of the rule of law as the foundation of modern states and civilisations has recently become even more talismanic than that of democracy, but what does it actually consist of?

In this brilliant short book, Britains former senior law lord, and one of the worlds most acute legal minds, examines what the idea actually means. He makes clear that the rule of law is not an arid legal doctrine but is the foundation of a fair and just society, is a guarantee of responsible government, is an important contribution to economic growth and offers the best means yet devised for securing peace and co-operation. He briefly examines the historical origins of the rule, and then advances eight conditions which capture its essence as understood in western democracies today. He also discusses the strains imposed on the rule of law by the threat and experience of international terrorism.

The book will be influential in many different fields and should become a key text for anyone interested in politics, society and the state of our world.


Product details

Format Paperback | 224 pages
Dimensions 129 x 198 x 13mm | 168g
Publication date 14 Sep 2011
Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Publication City/Country London, United Kingdom
Language English
Edition Statement Reprint
Illustrations note None
ISBN10 014103453X
ISBN13 9780141034539
Bestsellers rank 7,323