Nutshells: Land Law

Author: Michael Haley

Price: £10.95

Edition: 8th Edition (March 2010)

ISBN: 978-0-414-04176-9

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The Nutshells series of texts are traditionally used as revision aides for undergraduate students.  Land law, in particular, calls out for such an aides because of its complex and confusing mixture of statutory and common law rules.  Nutshells: Land Law is an excellent overview and provides (except for a few minor issues) a clear and accessible account of the law.

Nutshells: Land Law successfully explains the basic principles of land law including the doctrine of tenures and estates, the relationship between law and equity and the role of registered land.  Importantly, the Haley also covers the key practical topics of easements and mortgages, the latter of which is vital for any banking litigation lawyer or property lawyer.  Impressively, Nutshells: Land Law also considers and explains the important area of landlord and tenant law.  This is an area usually overlooked (mainly due to the depth of material on freehold property!) on undergraduate course but is essential in practice.

Unfortunately, where the author steps outside of land law, the text loses some of its credibility.  For example, when discussing unfair relationships between landlord and tenant, the author refers to the Consumer Credit Act 2006.  Whilst this introduced the new provisions on unfair relationships, it technically amended the Consumer Credit Act 1974 so the text should refer to the inserted provisions in the 1974 Act (ie Sections 140A to 140D).  Disappointingly, this was also an issue with the last edition.  This is, however, a minor point in an otherwise excellent introduction to land law.

Any student preparing for an exam in land law should seriously consider buying Nutshells: Land Law.  It provides an accessible and clear account of the key principles.  When this is combined with the superb flow-charts and sample questions, Nutshells: Land Law is excellent value for money.  In an area which is fundamentally important for any student wanting to practise law, it is surely money well spent.

Reviewed on 20 February 2011

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