"The evidence Beatson marshals - of constitutional strains unprecedented in modern times . - is sufficiently troubling to merit for his book a wider audience than the students, scholars and practitioners of law for whom it is principally intended . By explaining the mechanical underpinnings of the largely invisible vehicle that we call our constitution, Beatson has written a valuable manual for anyone who needs to keep it running or who simply wishes to discharge a civic duty by seeking to comprehend it." --David Anderson, Literary Review "This book is notable for the precision and acumen with which topics that are still much debated in English judicial culture are treated, such as that of constitutional law, still considered a fragile category; that of Dicey's theses on the 'Rule of Law'; that of the historical component in the evolution of British law; that of the clarity of laws, on which the author distinguishes a realist approach from a 'romantic' approach; and that of global and supranational law." --Sabino Cassese, Il Sole 24 Ore (Bloomsbury translation) "Ample food for thought for constitutional scholars . The book is a model of percipience. To produce a book that is so clear, detailed and current is an outstanding achievement." --Alison L Young, The Cambridge Law Journal "This is a profound essay on the constitution and administrative law, packed with deep learning and wonderfully succinct.

I read it with profit and students will too." -- The Right Honourable Lord Sales, Justice of the Supreme Court, UK "The author does an excellent job in marshalling cases to indicate a common strand across a number of judgments, for example the reference to the Belmarsh (2004) and Ghaidan v Godin-Mendoza (2004) as indicative of an egalitarian philosophy stemming from the senior judiciary in the UK. He is superb in his deployment of a range of very old cases to support and enrich his analysis of modern themes." --Aidan Flynn, Staffordshire University "A great text for students seeking to advance their understanding of the link between these two fundamental constitutional principles. A must read for any Public Law student wishing to 'aim higher'." -- Stephen Clear, Bangor University "This concise yet detailed book offers an insightful look at the key issues facing our legal system today." --Machaela Parkin, University of Bath "An excellent, clear text which explains a complex issue in an accessible and helpful manner." --Samuel White, University of the West of Scotland "This is an excellent introduction to one of the key themes of the public law module.

It provides a comprehensive study for students at all levels and helps them understand the definition and main issues surrounding the nebulous concept of the rule of law." --Theodore Konstadinides, University of Essex.