'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, Britain's former senior law lord, and one of the world's 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...

This book contains a selection of the essays and addresses written or given by the Senior Law Lord (as a Queen's Bench judge, Lord Justice of Appeal, Master of the Rolls, and Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales) over the last 15 years or so, touching on a wide range of legally-related topics.

Tom Bingham (1933-2010) was the 'greatest judge of our time' (The Guardian), a towering figure in modern British public life who championed the rule of law and human rights inside and outside the courtroom. The Business of Judging collects Bingham's most important writings during his period in judicial office before the House of Lords.
The papers collected here offer Bingham's views on a wide range of issues, ranging from the ethics of judging to the role of law in a diverse society. They include his reflections on the main contours of English public and criminal law, and his early work...