Introduction to Land Law

Publisher: Pearson Education

Author: Roger Smith

Price: £24.99

Edition: 3rd Edition (July 2013)

ISBN: 978-1-408-29352-2

Buy from Pearson: Click Here

Roger Smith's Introduction to Land Law aims to present a "straightforward account of the law and its effects, providing clear explanations of legal concepts students often find difficult to grasp and illuminating the interest and thought-provoking issues stemming from land law".  Anyone who has studied (or is studying) land law at undergraduate level will quickly agree that (a) this is an ambitious aim and (b) the law is often confusing and difficult to grasp.  Smith's experience in teaching land law does, however, shine through because it provides a clear and coherent introduction to this difficult but important topic.  Those who master the basics of land law will quickly see how land law topics are often found in other areas of law.

Introduction to Land Law is split into four parts: introduction to land law; acquiring interests and binding purchasers; rights to enjoy land; and other interests in land.  Each part includes a number of chapters.  For example, part one includes chapters on: introducing land law; legislative reform: 1925 to 2002; land and other property; and human rights.  Part two includes chapters on: adverse possession and fixtures; estoppel; ownership of the family home; and priorities and registration.  Part three includes chapters on: successive and concurrent ownership; leases: types and requirements; and leases: obligations and remedies.  Part four includes chapters on: licences; easements; and mortgages.

Roger Smith is a highly respected academic lawyer and a prolific writer on property law (having a well respected textbook and cases and materials book).  He has used all of his knowledge to distil fairly complicated topics and issues into this well-written and jargon free introduction to property law.  It usefully includes an excellent glossary which can be quickly turned to when new, or seemingly complex, words or phrases are used.  It also makes very good use of examples or scenarios and highlights key issues with a 'critical issues' tag.  The reader is also cross-referred (where relevant) to more fuller discussions of cases in Smith's first-rate Property Law: Cases and Materials.

This third edition of Roger Smith's excellent Introduction to Land Law provides a clear and surprisingly enjoyable introduction to the basics of land law.  It superbly explains the key principles with sufficient depth meaning key issues are not too simplistic (which is always a challenge with an introductory text).  Key or critical areas (which is essentially Smith saying, to borrow a phrase from a famous 1980s television programme, to 'listen very carefully, I shall say this only once') are clearly flagged.  In an area of law which is notoriously difficult, this is a welcome addition to the library of any student or, indeed, property or property disputes lawyer.

Reviewed on 1 September 2013

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