Preface

This dictionary has been written by a distinguished team of academic and practising lawyers. It is intended primarily for those without a qualification in law who nevertheless require some legallmowledge in the course oftheir work: chartered surveyors and accountants, civil servants and local-government officers, social workers and probation officers, as well as businessmen and legal secretaries are typical examples of those whose work often calls for a knowledge of the precise meaning (and spelling) of a legal term.
Each article, therefore, begins with a clear definition of the entry word (or words) and, in most cases, is followed by a more detailed explanation or description of the concepts involved. Written in concise English, without the unnecessary use of legal jargon, the book will also be of considerable value to members of the public who come into contact with the law and lawyers – house buyers, motorists, and hire purchasers are among those who cannot escape the effects of legislation or the unique prose style in which it is usually expressed.