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The Rule of Law

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The Rule of Law

By: Tom Bingham
Narrated by: Andrew Cullum
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About this listen

'The Rule of Law' is a phrase much used but little examined. The idea of the rule of law as the foundation of modern states and civilizations has recently become even more talismanic than that of democracy, but what does it actually consist of?

In this brilliant audiobook, Britain's former senior law lord, and one of the world's most acute legal minds, examines what the idea actually means. He makes clear that the rule of law is not an arid legal doctrine but is the foundation of a fair and just society, is a guarantee of responsible government, is an important contribution to economic growth and offers the best means yet devised for securing peace and co-operation. He briefly examines the historical origins of the rule, and then advances eight conditions which capture its essence as understood in western democracies today. He also discusses the strains imposed on the rule of law by the threat and experience of international terrorism.

The audiobook will be influential in many different fields and will be key for anyone interested in politics, society and the state of our world.

©2011 Tom Bingham (P)2023 W.F.Howes Ltd Judicial Systems Law Philosophy Society
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Tom Bingham's "The Rule of Law" is an indispensable read for legal scholars, practitioners, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the rule of law. Bingham's eloquent prose and profound insights make this book a timeless contribution to the discourse on the principles that underpin just and democratic societies.

This book is full of examples and anecdotes that vividly illustrate the principles and challenges associated with the rule of law. Bingham's use of real-world cases and historical events enriches the reader's comprehension and engagement with the subject matter

A student of law is not a law student, yet both should have this book to hand to remind them of the origins of the legal principles which shape our world.

A lighthouse for all students of law...

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An interesting mix of history and jurisprudence providing details of the foundation and development of the rule of law from Magna Carta to the war on Terror.

The history of the rule of law and why it is an ideal to strive for

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The performance was excellent. The content dire. Unlike other reviewers I found the blatant, self satisfied comfortable underlying arrogance displayed in this book content unbearable. This book is in need of a realistic entire rewrite, perhaps when the ‘rule of law’ returns? Even with an acknowledgement of this being of its time, albeit a relatively short life span time ago, events have consumed it. The ‘rule of law’ described is now a laughing stock. We are paying for those like Tom Bingham (sadly deceased) that concluded the law was entirely safe, that all had already been achieved and all the bewigged and robed had to do was sit back and use the described formats to judge. Those types never considered for a moment the opposing forces that hoped for such lazy smugness. That less benign others in their own profession see the law rather differently, legal gaps to be exploited. That certain judges would become so obviously creatures of government, that jury trials would be limited, thereby doubling down on such ‘judges’ appointments as abhorrent, captured and frankly crazed. The risible law is now to be manipulated by such creatures, broken and damaged for their own ends. Instead of a vaunted “rule of law” we are now close to civil war, being laughed at for our blindness, all brought about by a crooked establishment and certain lawyers for whom the rule of law was and is a ‘code’ others played by, never them. Yet, there are some in the Judiciary and legal profession who see the direction of travel, and to their credit are fighting back. This book doesn’t help them. I find it shocking that many listen to this smugness without seeing what is happening now. If anything this book will serve as a warning as to what, why and how things went so wrong.

Asleep at the wheel complacency

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