Towards Legal Literacy

Book excerpt: This book is a citizen's introduction to the law, the legal system, and a wide range of contemporary social and political issues in India. Written by experts, but concise and easy-to-read, it shows how:* the law impacts everyday life and society* the focus of law is not merely punishment of wrongdoers but also protection of the weak* the law is an instrument of social justice* the constitution relates to other laws* security concerns are interconnected with human rightsThis volume invites readers to explore the Indian legal system in its totality and introduces them to all key aspects of the law; the basic structure doctrine, the criminal justice system, the concept of religious personal laws, anti-terror laws, cyber laws, law of contract, labour and employmentlaws, environmental law, and gender justice.Written especially for students of the recently restructured BA Programme of the University of Delhi and designed as a text for its Legal Literacy course, this book will also be of immense use to students in the early stages of courses in political science, law, sociology of law, gender studies, aswell as to curious and concerned general readers.