The orthodoxy as to what must necessarily be an introductory book has traditionally included a description of the institutions of law, an explanation of the methods of the law and some consideration of legal principles and rules. The danger with this approach is that it tends to perpetuate the myth of legal objectivity and political neutrality. The approach of this book is to attempt to understand the role of the law in the wider world rather than simply in its own terms. Law is considered as ideology and as politics, and a political critique of law's role in facilitating a capitalist world is presented. The new edition takes account of developments which may be seen to constrain democracy. This, of course, is relevant to the legislation of the rule of law.