Law and Society in England 1750-1950

Law and Society in England 1750-1950 has become an indispensible text for those wishing to study English legal history and to understand the foundations of the modern British state. In this new updated edition the authors explore the complex relationship between legal and social change. They consider the ways in which those in power themselves imagined and initiated reform and the ways in which they were obliged to respond to demands for change from outside the legal and political classes. What emerges is a lively and critical account of the evolution of modern rights and expectations and an engaging study of the formation of contemporary institutions and the road that was travelled to create them. The book is divided into eight chapters: Institutions and Ideas; Land; Commerce and Industry; Labour Relations; The Family; Poverty and Education; Accidents and Crime.This extensively referenced analysis of modern legal history will be invaluable to students and teachers of the law alike, as well as political scientists and historians.

William Cornish was Professor of English Law at the London School of Economics and Political science, then Professor of Law at the University of Cambridge.Steve Banks is a Senior Lecturer and Co-Director of the Forum for Legal and Historical Research at the University of Reading.Charles Mitchell is a Professor of Law and Paul Mitchell is a Professor of Law, both at University College London.Rebecca Probert is Professor of Law at the University of Warwick.