This is an exploration of the underlying questions of legal method and the place of law in society. In the first of the three books the authors examine the nature and functions of law, explain traditional classifications and comment on the use of law to control social behaviour. The second book considers the sources of law and methods of legal reasoning, while the third examines the wider dimensions of the law, exploring the concepts of "justice" and "policy". Also included is a discussion of the legal systems of other cultures. Two appendices with updated specimen sources will be useful to the student, as will the bibliography of further reading. This book aims to be a blend of philosophy, law and social science and will be useful to law students at A-level, students from different disciplines and lawyers in other jurisdictions.