This popular and established introduction to the English legal system is ideal for students who wish to master the subject in a comparatively short time. Eddy on the English Legal System, now in its sixth edition, continues to provide a clear explanation of the contemporary legal system of England and Wales. The text has been substantially updated to incorporate all major statutory developments, including: - The controversial Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, with its restriction of the right to silence. - The Civil Evidence Act 1995, which abolished the hearsay rule in civil cases. - The Family Law Act 1996, with its emphasis on mediation. - The Defamation Act 1996, which introduces a new 'fast track' procedure for defamation cases. - The Criminal Appeal Act 1995, which re-shaped appeal and post-appeal procedures. - The Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996, which requires substantial pre-trial disclosure on the part of both prosecution and defense. Significant developments in the case law are also covered including Pepper v. Hart (1993), which allows judges to examine the texts of parliamentary debates to assist in interpreting Acts of Parliament and new EC case law, especially the Factortame line of cases, which impact on parliamentary sovereignty. Students and teachers on legal and vocational courses will once again welcome the sixth edition as a highly readable and thought-provoking overview of the subject.