Category: Family Law

It has been some thirty-five years since the first edition of Cretney’s Principles of Family Law (then called Principles of Family Law) was published.  During that time, it has widely become recognised as one of the leading, if not the leading, text on family law.  This new edition, coming five years after the last edition, sees Stephen Cretney step-aside from authorship but his name being added to the title.  This does not, however, mean that the quality of the text has diminished in any way.

Written by leading academic family law lawyers, Cretney’s Principles of Family Law has been thoroughly updated to include the latest legislative developments including the Civil Partnership Act 2004, the Children Act 2004 and the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007.  The authors have also included the significant development in case law since the last edition.  These additions have been impressively and seamlessly incorporated into the existing text ensuring it remains both authoritative and accessible.

Cretney’s Principles of Family Law is well laid out, which allows material to be located quickly, and includes case summaries of the leading cases meaning the reader can quickly grasp the issues.  The footnotes are also incredibly detailed meaning they are an excellent starting point for further and independent research.  Like previous editions, it also discusses orders that the court may make (meaning is invaluable for both students and practitioners) and discusses future developments of the law so the reader can critically consider it.

For anyone interested in, studying or practising in this area of law, Cretney’s Principles of Family Law is an indispensible guide to the law.  Its accessibility and authoritative coverage of the issues mean it can be used by both experienced and inexperienced lawyers: this is often unusual!  Its price is also competitive meaning anyone seriously interested in this area of law should not be without a copy.

Reviewed on 8 March 2009

The authors of Family Law: Text, Cases and Materials wrote this book specifically as a teaching and learning aid for undergraduate family law courses.  This is immediately evident in the style and layout they have adopted.  The key elements of family law, including property and finances, the law relating to children and child protection are extremely accessible and set out in a manner which makes easy reading for those venturing into the study of family law.

Primary source material is quoted in shaded grey text boxes, making it immediately identifiable and ensuring that it does not get lost within the remainder of the text.  Additionally, the book does not swamp the reader with too much information.  But it is an excellent platform for further research because it provides an overview of fundamental principles which can be easily understood.

Some of the more complex aspects of family law are not mentioned, for example, same sex relationships and international laws relating to child adoption and abduction.  This does not, however, diminish the value of the text since some of the topics which are not discussed can be found on the Online Resource Centre (which is a valuable source of further reading and information).

Family Law: Text, Cases and Materials is a must-read for students wishing to understand the basic principles of family law and is highly recommended.

Reviewed on 22 July 2008

Bromley’s Family Law is a comprehensive and well written text which covers a broad range of family law issues, including marital and parental relationships, childcare, guardianship and financial relief and support within the family unit.

Since its ninth edition, the authors have updated Bromley’s Family Law to include the most recent significant changes in family law, most notably the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (which came into force in December 2005 to allow same sex couples to enter into formal and legally recognised partnerships) and the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (which also came into force in 2005).

The authors also provide valuable background into the family law system in an introductory chapter which sets out the differing approaches to family law.  For example, the authors clearly explain the tendency of the law in previous years to base decisions on moral judgements and the move towards a ‘settlement culture’ without court involvement in recent years.

Bromley’s Family Law can be a little heavy going at times because of its detailed analysis, but the authors have countered this to some extent by writing in a straightforward way, without losing substance or appreciation of more intricate matters.  Whilst it may not be an ideal quick reference guide, the in depth coverage of such a diverse range of issues make it a useful and reliable source of information for those wishing to delve into the more complex questions and considerations surrounding family law.

Reviewed on 18 July 2008

Family law is a mixture of common law principles and legislation.  It can therefore be difficult to find out the answer quickly without a good reference text.  Thankfully, Family Law by Jonathan Herring provides just that: a clear, concise and intriguing account of family law.

The key feature of the text is its layout.  The main legislative provisions and cases have shaded backgrounds which allows the material to be quickly located.  Other fantastic features are the debate, hot topics and key statistic sections.  These are included at appropriate places to allow the reader to place the material into context.  These also stimulate debate and encourage the reader to question the main issues.

The text is written in an enjoyable and thought provoking manner.  It is both academic and practical.  The issues are given the relevant weight whilst, at the same time, written in a straight-forward manner which is appealing to a practitioner.  The text is also thought provoking and encourages the reader to undertake additional reading.

Like many of Pearson Education’s texts, it is linked to an online companion website.  At the time of writing, there are a number of additional thinking questions and useful website links which adds considerable value to the text.  Although not available at the time of writing, a new feature to the text is Pearson Longman’s Case Navigator which sounds like a fantastic feature.

This is an excellent text.  The material is both clear and comprehensive.  It also has a fantastic amount of added value with a companion website providing updates to the text and the Case Navigator.  At a little over £30, I recommend this to anyone interest in family law.

Reviewed on 28 July 2007