Short 'expert commentaries' are included at the end of many chapters, in which a range of leading public law scholars and distinguished figures provide a thought-provoking discussion of the key themes or issues raised in the chapter. These commentaries help students to engage with key issues and provide them with valuable additional perspectives A new chapter on police powers provides a guide for students to the essential aspects of this key topic Fully updated to cover all the latest developments and debates, such as: constitutional developments introduced by the coalition government; the increasingly significant role of select committees; the Leveson inquiry; the referendum on Scottish independence; and the UK's relationship with the European Court of Human Rights. ^ There is also coverage of recent significant cases (AXA, Cart, Chaytor), and legislation (the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011, the European Union Act 2011, the Public Bodies Act 2011, the Localism Act 2011, the Crime and Courts Act 2013) Public Law offers a fresh and distinctive approach to the subject. Covering in detail all the topics fundamental to undergraduate courses, this essential text presents a sophisticated and coherent analysis of the doctrines and institutions of public law. Throughout, this analysis is integrated with explanation of the wider socio-political context in which the constitution operates. Three key themes run throughout the book and help you to approach the subject in a structured and accessible way that aids deeper understanding of the subject. ^ The key themes are: - The significance of executive power and the challenge of ensuring that those who exercise such power are held to account; - The shift from a political towards a legal constitution and the implications of this change; and - The increasingly 'multi-layered' character of the UK constitution Engaging, clear, and focused fully on what you need, Public Law is the perfect guide to this challenging and fascinating subject.