The authors of this work have assembled the background to a selection of leading cases in English law. From the Mareva case (synonymous with a type of injunction) to Lord Denning's classic ruling in the High Trees House case (the turning point for equitable estoppel) to that of the former Chilean head of state General Pinochet (in which the House of Lords heard the facts a second time).

This text looks at great historical, political, social and legal landmarks to show how the jury evolved to become a key democratic institution resisting attacks, pressure, interference, legal imperatives, and on occasion, apparently compelling law or evidence. Bridging past and present, the author conveys the unique nature of the jury, its central role in the administration of justice and its importance as a barrier to manipulation, oppression and abuse.

This book shows how adversary trial evolved in England only in the 18th century. Its origins and significance have tended to go unrecognised by judges, lawyers, jurists and researchers until relatively modern times when conflict has become a key social issue. Even now, there is a major dispute as to how and why adversary trial came into existence and little connection has been made with its contribution to the genesis of many rules of evidence and procedure and the modern-day doctrine of human rights - whereby citizens are able to take a stand against the power of the state or vested...